🌊The Cascadia subduction zone poses a massive threat of a mega thrust earthquake.
💥The earthquake could be 45 times more powerful than California's most destructive earthquake.
🔒The subduction zone is currently locked, building up stress that will eventually be released.
⏳Scientists predict a 20-30% chance of the earthquake occurring within the next 50 years.
🌊The earthquake could trigger tsunamis along the Pacific coastline.
What is the Cascadia subduction zone?
—The Cascadia subduction zone is where the Juan de Fuca and Gorda tectonic plates are subducting beneath the North American Plate.
How often do mega thrust earthquakes occur in the Cascadia subduction zone?
—Based on current data, mega thrust earthquakes occur every 300 to 500 years in the Cascadia subduction zone.
What are the consequences of a mega thrust earthquake in the Cascadia subduction zone?
—A mega thrust earthquake could cause widespread destruction, taking many lives and triggering tsunamis along the Pacific coastline.
Do scientists have the ability to predict when a mega thrust earthquake will occur?
—Scientists can estimate the probability of a mega thrust earthquake occurring within a certain time frame, but the exact timing cannot be predicted with certainty.
What research is being done to understand and mitigate the threat of the Cascadia subduction zone?
—Researchers are drilling and monitoring to better understand the subduction zone and develop strategies to mitigate the risk of earthquakes and tsunamis.
00:00The Cascadia subduction zone poses a massive threat of a mega thrust earthquake, 45 times more powerful than California's most destructive earthquake.
00:42The subduction zone is currently locked, building up stress that will eventually be released.
06:37Mega thrust earthquakes occur every 300 to 500 years in the Cascadia subduction zone.
08:51Scientists predict a 20-30% chance of the earthquake occurring within the next 50 years.
12:14A mega thrust earthquake in the Cascadia subduction zone could cause widespread destruction and trigger tsunamis along the Pacific coastline.
