Yes, The Big One or also known as the ``Megathrust Earthquake`` is a threat towards the Pacific Northwest because the plates of Juan De Fuca and Gorda plates are constantly grinding which creates stress and could potentially cause a stress build up and lead to a mass earthquake.The cascade subduction zone is where the Juan De Fuca Gorda and explorer plates subduct under the continental North American plate. The Juan De Fuca plates to the east are spreading apart at a rate of 60mm/yr. Supposedly when the big one hits we are also going to be inundated by a 20ft-100ft tsunami that could be triggered up and down the coast. A big earthquake happens every 243 years. People are very worried about this particularly because we are now 315 years into a 243 year cycle.
What kind of warnings exist in the Pacific Northwest? Are they adequate?
Shake out BC, October 15th every year.
BC has an early warning system that they are working on at the University of UBC that tells you a 30 seconds before the earthquake happens, so that you can take cover. An alarm will sound to let you know. As of right now it is just on the lower mainland of Vancouver but they are working to incorporate Vancouver island as well.
Yes I do think they are adequate because the early warning system gives you a little bit of time to get into a safe place and also shake out BC helps kids and everyone to understand the procedures to follow when an earthquake occurs. Throughout the years of going to school we had done earthquake drills quite a few times to prepare for this big event.
Are you prepared for an earthquake?
Yes I do believe I am prepare for an earthquake. I understand the procedures to follow when this event occurs and also have a action planned but the one thing I need to do to finish preparing is my family needs to make an earthquake kit that includes some food, medical supplies and water.
- Drop under a piece of heavy furniture
- Cover your head and torso to prevent being hit by falling objects
- Hold on to the object you are under
- Count to 60sec twice and stay under heavy object until shaking stops
- Stay away from glass windows, Avoid doorways, heavy objects
What types of faults are found around Vancouver and Southern Vancouver island?
Transform PlatesOn Vancouver/ Vancouver island you will find many transfer plates.
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- Website Title: MNN
- Article Title: Mega-quake: The 'big one' could happen soon, but pro[…]
- Date Accessed: November 14, 2015
- Website Title: SCQ
- Article Title: SCQ
- Date Accessed: November 14, 2015
- Website Title: CBCnews
- Article Title: B.C. megathrust earthquake will rip earth open like a zipper[…]
- Publisher: CBC/Radio Canada
- Electronically Published: January 19, 2015
- Date Accessed: November 14, 2015
- Author: Dirk Meissner
- Website Title: UBC News
- Article Title: UBC expert helps B.C. prepare for an earthquake
- Electronically Published: October 14, 2015
- Date Accessed: November 14, 2015