The Tintina Fault, which has remained quiet beneath North America for many years, is now a ticking time bomb. Canadian seismologists from the University of Victoria and the University of Alberta recently warned that the fault could trigger a devastating . This seismic event could impact parts of Canada, the United States, and Alaska.
The team discovered that the Tintina Fault, located nearly 20 kilometers from Dawson City in Yukon, Canada, is gradually building underground pressure, and this hidden threat could soon erupt into a powerful earthquake. Researchers noted that the fault runs beneath highways, rivers, and critical infrastructure, extending into the interior regions of Alaska.
Dr. Michael West, a seismologist at the Alaska Earthquake Center, told the Daily Mail: “The situation is gradually approaching a potentially very powerful earthquake.” He also mentioned that this is one of the least studied fault systems in North America.
What Do We Know About This Hidden Threat?
The Tintina Fault stretches over 1,000 kilometers from British Columbia through Yukon to Alaska. Scientists previously believed this fault had been silent for 40 million years. However, the authors of a new study found that two groups of massive earthquakes, which significantly shifted the Earth’s surface, occurred along the fault 2.6 million years ago and 132,000 years ago, according to Science Alert. The last notable earthquake caused by the Tintina Fault happened 12,000 years ago.
Researchers recorded that the fault is shifting, with pressure building at a rate of 0.2 to 0.8 millimeters per year. This means a strong earthquake could be inevitable.
The Tintina Fault has largely gone unnoticed by scientists compared to more well-known faults like the San Andreas, which stretches over 1,200 kilometers across California.
Dr. Theron Finley from the University of Victoria, the lead author of the study, noted: “The fault may be in the late stages of the seismic cycle.” He also mentioned that “over the past couple of decades, several minor earthquakes with magnitudes of 3 to 4 have been recorded along the fault.” However, nothing indicated that “it is capable of major ruptures.”
Over the last 12,000 years, the Tintina Fault has accumulated about 6 meters of displacement, which, according to scientists, is more than enough for a powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.5 or greater, affecting over 125,000 people. This would be particularly problematic for those living in remote areas unprepared for earthquakes, where emergency response capabilities are limited.
A potential earthquake could devastate critical infrastructure, such as the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, and cause irreparable damage to local ecosystems.
Seismologists Are Concerned
“The most dangerous aspect is not just that the fault is active. The problem is that no one is paying attention to it,” West said.
A study published in Geophysical Research Letters showed that parts of ancient glacial terrain have shifted significantly, providing clear evidence of powerful earthquakes in the past.
To map potentially earthquake-vulnerable areas, researchers used satellites and drones. The team discovered scars on the landscape indicating that this fault has repeatedly ruptured the Earth’s surface.
Seismologists are worried because in the latest 2024 Alaska model developed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the Tintina Fault was not considered a source of serious earthquake risk.
“In official models, it isn’t even recognized as a separate earthquake source, but the landscape tells a different story,” Dr. Finley said.
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