Two of the West Coast’s most dangerous fault lines might be more in sync than scientists have realized. A new study found that the two sleeping giants, the Cascadia subduction zone and the northern San Andreas fault, have been moving in rhythm for millennia, shaking within hours of each other in a geological “dance” that can rattle the coastline from Oregon to California.
A team led by Oregon State University geologist Chris Goldfinger published its findings on Sept. 29 in the scientific journal Geosphere, demonstrating the first evidence that the two faults have interacted repeatedly over thousands of years.
Yes, the two might go off together. These are both really big quake producers. The 1700 earthquake on the Cascadia fault produced a pretty major tsunami in Japan and a remembered in oral history of Northwest Indians
I would reconsider your move east. The biggest earthquake in North America occurred in 1811 on the New Madrid fault. It was so strong that it jostled church bells in Boston, and was felt as far away as the Rocky mountains. The creepy part about it was that this earthquake was predicted by Tecumseh, Shawnee prophet. Not only that, but as he traveled from Indian Tribe to Indian Tribe, he gave each one a bundle of sticks which were to be burned one at a time, on each New Moon. These bundles got smaller the longer he was out trying to rally the tribes to revolt against the white men. When only one stick was remaining, they were to cut it into seven pieces and burn one each night until no pieces remained. They were then to wait for a signal that would be unmistakable to them, at which point they were to rise up against the whites. The New Madrid earthquake was so strong that part of the Mississippi River flowed backwards, lakes were emptied and others were formed, including Reelfoot lake.
ReplyDeleteThe Frontiersman by Allan Eckert contains this story, as well as more of Tecumseh and his brother, Tenskawatawa, the prophet, as well as Simon Kenton, Simon Girty, and Marmaduke Van Swearingen who may or may not have become the Indian Chief Blue Jacket.
I am well aware of New Madrid. I did not know the story about Tecumseh.
DeleteCascadia is a frightening fault. It is overdue for an "event" by something close to 100 years. When it goes off, the loss of life will be immense. Instead of doing anything to get people out of the way, more people live in the region every year.
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