Major Tsunami Threat to Northwestern US from New Canadian Fault Line

• A newly discovered 50-mile fault line in Canada could pose a tsunami threat to the northwestern United States.
• The fault, named XEOLXELEK-Elk Lake Fault (XELF), has previously generated a major earthquake and could do so again.
• Scientists emphasize the importance of earthquake preparedness, as the timing of another quake is uncertain.

A recent discovery of a 50-mile fault line, known as the XEOLXELEK-Elk Lake Fault (XELF), in Canada, has raised concerns about a potential tsunami in the northwestern United States.

This fault, situated in British Columbia, was undetected for thousands of years and is now recognized as a significant seismic threat. The fault could trigger a substantial earthquake in Canada, with repercussions potentially affecting areas around the Georgia Basin, including parts of Washington and British Columbia.

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The fault was discovered by a team including Nick Harrichhausen, a postdoctoral researcher, who found that two massive rock blocks had previously slipped against each other, causing a major earthquake several thousand years ago. The XELF is a 'dip-slip' fault, where two blocks of rock move vertically at their contact point. If this fault were to rupture underwater, it could produce a local tsunami in the Georgia Basin.

The potential tsunami risk is heightened due to the fault's location and characteristics. If the seafloor in the Haro Strait were uplifted by an earthquake, even by a few meters, it could displace a significant volume of water, triggering a tsunami. This possibility is particularly concerning given the proximity of populous urban areas in the region.

Harrichhausen and his team's study, published in the journal 'Tectonics,' underscores the importance of preparedness for such natural disasters. They advise securing large furniture, creating a disaster plan, and maintaining a supply of essentials like food, water, and medicine. In the event of an earthquake, the recommended response is to "DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON." However, predicting the exact timing of such an event remains a significant challenge for geologists.

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