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Study Finds Magnitude 7.5+ Earthquake Potential on Canada’s Tintina Fault

Canada will integrate the Tintina fault into its national seismic hazard model after evidence emerged of prehistoric ruptures coupled with persistent strain accumulation.

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Overview

  • Topographic imaging from satellites, aircraft and drones revealed an 80-mile segment near Dawson City with Quaternary-age ruptures indicating past large earthquakes.
  • Measurements show the fault is accumulating strain at 0.2 to 0.8 millimeters per year, signaling a significant slip deficit.
  • Lead author Theron Finley and colleagues warn that future earthquakes on the fault could exceed magnitude 7.5.
  • A major rupture could severely shake Dawson City, threaten nearby highways and mines, and trigger landslides in permafrost-thaw terrain.
  • Canada’s National Seismic Hazard Model will now treat the Tintina fault as a discrete seismic source to enhance hazard mapping and emergency preparedness.