Two major fault lines on the West Coast are in ‘sync’ and signal possible massive quake on horizon, scientists warn
Connection between two West Coast faults could trigger double the devastation
- International researchers have discovered a potential connection between the San Andreas fault and the Cascadia subduction zone, suggesting they could rupture simultaneously.
- This combined seismic event would be doubly devastating, impacting millions across California, Oregon, Washington state, and Western Canada, including major cities like San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver.
- Historical evidence from 1700 indicates a magnitude 9.0 Cascadia earthquake was closely followed by a magnitude 7.9 San Andreas earthquake, suggesting a precedent for near-simultaneous ruptures.
- The connection was identified by comparing sediment cores from both fault systems, a discovery made possible by a navigational error during research in 1999.
- Experts, including marine geologist Chris Goldfinger, warn that the West Coast's current level of preparedness for such a catastrophic event is 'poor'.