Canada experiences one of its strongest recorded earthquakes with Saturday’s 7.0 magnitude tremor
A significant earthquake struck northwestern Canada on Saturday afternoon, registering a magnitude of 7.0. This event is now recognized as one of the country’s most powerful recorded earthquakes.
Details of the Earthquake
The quake occurred in the Yukon Territory at 1:41 p.m. local time. The epicenter was located approximately 250 kilometers west of Whitehorse. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) indicated that the earthquake had a depth of 10 kilometers.
Aftershocks and Community Response
Following the initial quake, the USGS recorded at least 33 aftershocks within three hours. The largest of these aftershocks reached a magnitude of 5.1. Although there were no immediate reports of significant damage, many residents of Whitehorse took to social media to share their experiences of the tremors.
Historical Context
This earthquake marks the strongest seismic event recorded on Canadian land in 79 years. The last 7.0 magnitude earthquake occurred in 1946 on Vancouver Island. Canada’s most substantial earthquake was the estimated 9.0 magnitude Cascadia Earthquake, which hit off British Columbia in January 1700.
Seismic Activity in Canada
- Earthquake Date: Saturday
- Magnitude: 7.0
- Location: Yukon Territory, 250 km west of Whitehorse
- Depth: 10 km
- Aftershocks: At least 33 recorded
- Strongest Aftershock: Magnitude 5.1
- Previous Major Earthquake: 7.0 in 1946 on Vancouver Island
- Largest Earthquake Recorded: Estimated 9.0, Cascadia Earthquake, January 1700
According to a 2015 analysis by Earthquakes Canada, the region where Saturday’s earthquake occurred is classified as having a high seismic hazard. This significant seismic event serves as a reminder of the earthquake risk present in Canada and highlights the importance of preparedness and safety measures.
