What transpires on the west coast when "The Big One" arrives?
Key details about the earthquake—such as the duration of shaking, tsunami height, inland reach, and the force of the quake—are critical for preparing infrastructure and educating residents.
Research published this summer has provided crucial insights into the potential impact of a massive earthquake expected to strike off Canada's west coast.
John Cassidy, a senior research scientist at Natural Resources Canada and a professor at the University of Victoria, emphasizes that these subduction earthquakes will affect every community along the 1,100-kilometre coastline, from Victoria and Vancouver to Seattle, Portland, and Northern California.
Key details about the earthquake—such as the duration of shaking, tsunami height, inland reach, and the force of the quake—are critical for preparing infrastructure and educating residents.
However, despite this valuable information, the timing of the earthquake remains uncertain. This research aims to enhance preparedness for the inevitable event, ensuring that communities are better equipped to respond when it occurs.
