Ottawa: A major threat in the northern region of Canada is gradually taking shape. The Tintina Fault that was considered calm and inactive till now is actually indicating a terrible earthquake. Scientists of the University of Victoria, Geological Survey of Canada and University of Alberta have discovered clear signs of seismic movements in this fault. The Tintina Fault is about 1,000 km long and is like the dangerous San Andreas fault in California, USA. New research has shown that earthquake energy has been accumulating in it for the last 12,000 years. According to scientists, it can bring an earthquake of 7.5 magnitude or more at any time.
Land slip up to 75 meters
This research done with new technologies used high-resolution data taken from satellite and drone. It has found fault scarps, ie cracks and pits emerged on the surface of the ground, which are a sign of last major shaking. Lidar technology showed that the land has moved up to 75 meters at some places.
The most scary thing is that this fault is still not included in Canada’s National Sesmic Hazard Model. That is, it has not yet been seen as a danger in the building code, zoning regulation and emergency planning.
If there is a big earthquake…Tintina Fault is very close to Dawson City. The city may be known for historical gold rush, but the houses and structures there are not seismic. Scientists say that a major setback can also bring landslides in the surrounding areas, which can change the path of rivers and stop life.
Now the Government of Canada is preparing to consider Tintina Fault as a national threat. Infrastructure will be strengthened, zoning plans will be changed and a new strategy of disaster management will be created.
Local tribal communities have also been informed about this research, so that they can start their preparations. The warning of experts is clear that this fault has been silent for a long time, now it will not remain calm for long.
