Scientists have identified a significant seismic threat along the Canadian frontier after discovering that a geological feature previously considered inactive could trigger devastating tremors.
The Tintina fault, extending roughly 600 miles from the northeastern region of British Columbia through to Alaska, was believed to have remained quiet for approximately 40 million years.
However, fresh research published in Geophysical Research Letters has uncovered evidence of far more contemporary geological movement.
Advanced mapping technology deployed via satellites, aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles has detected an approximately 80-mile stretch where rock formations have been displaced horizontally along the fracture line.
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Scientists have identified a significant seismic threat along the Canadian frontier after discovering that a geological feature previously considered inactive could trigger devastating tremors
These formations date back to 2.6 million years and 132,000 years ago.
The findings suggest this boundary could produce tremors reaching at least 7.5 in magnitude.
Researchers have determined that the fault has remained dormant from significant ruptures for a minimum of 12,000 years, according to the investigation.
The research said: “We further show that the fault has not ruptured in a major earthquake for at least 12 thousand years, and could generate an earthquake of at least magnitude 7.5 in the future.”
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Advanced mapping technology has detected an approximately 80-mile stretch where rock formations have been displaced horizontally along the fracture line
Such seismic events fall within the category of major earthquakes, capable of inflicting substantial destruction, as classified by Michigan Tech.
These occurrences remain relatively uncommon globally, with estimates suggesting merely 10 to 15 happen annually.
Seismologists have expressed concern that tremors from the fault could impact British Columbia, Alberta and Montana.
The research indicates the geological structure may be approaching a dangerous phase in its seismic pattern.
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The Tintina fault extends roughly 600 miles from the northeastern region of Canada through to Alaska
Theron Finley, who served as principal investigator for the research, said: “Based on the data, we think that the fault may be at a relatively late stage of a seismic cycle, having accrued a slip deficit, or build-up of strain, of six meters in the last 12,000 years.
“If this were to be released, it would cause a significant earthquake.”
The geological feature remains among the most poorly understood in North America.
Michael West, who serves as state seismologist at the Alaska Earthquake Center, told The Daily Mail: “It is one of the least studied fault systems in North America, and that needs to change.”
