A new study has revealed that a huge fault line in Canada’s Yukon region, once thought to be inactive, may be ready to cause a major earthquake. This fault, known as the Tintina Fault, stretches over 1,000 kilometers across northwest Canada and was believed to be dormant for millions of years. However, scientists now say it’s very much alive—and overdue for a powerful earthquake.
What Did the Scientists Discover?
Researchers from the University of Victoria, University of Alberta, and the Geological Survey of Canada used modern technology like satellites, drones, and lidar (a scanning system that uses lasers) to study the ground. What they found was shocking:
- The Tintina Fault has moved during the past 2.6 million years, including a major shift just over 12,000 years ago.
- Glacial landforms (shapes in the land created by glaciers) have been shifted up to 1,000 meters.
- Newer landforms that are only 12,000 years old look untouched, suggesting the last big earthquake happened right before that time.
Earthquake Risk: A Magnitude 7.5 or Greater
According to Dr. Theron Finley, the lead geologist in the study, the Tintina Fault has been quietly building up pressure for over 12,000 years. It’s now likely that this built-up energy could be released in an earthquake measuring magnitude 7.5 or higher.
Such a quake could cause major destruction—especially to Dawson City, a historic town just 20 kilometers from the fault, which lacks strong earthquake-proof buildings.
Read more: Back-to-Back Earthquakes Rattle Afghanistan in One Day, Magnitude 4.2 and 4.4
More Than Just Ground Shaking
The dangers don’t stop with the quake itself. The area around the fault is very prone to landslides, and a powerful earthquake could trigger massive slides like:
- The Moosehide landslide north of Dawson City.
- The Sunnydale landslide across the Yukon River.
These landslides could block rivers, damage homes, ruin the environment, and even threaten lives.
Canada’s Earthquake Safety Model Needs Urgent Update
Shockingly, the Tintina Fault isn’t even listed as an active fault in Canada’s National Seismic Hazard Model (NSHM)—a key guide used for building codes, emergency planning, and construction safety.
Now that this new risk has been discovered, the Canadian government has promised to:
- Add the Tintina Fault to the NSHM.
- Change building codes and zoning rules in affected areas.
- Improve emergency plans and infrastructure safety in northern Canada.
First Nations and Scientists Working Together
The research was done in the traditional territories of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in and Na-Cho Nyäk Dun First Nations. These communities were involved in the process and are working with scientists and emergency teams to prepare for any future disasters.
While no one can predict exactly when the next earthquake will strike, the signs are clear—it will happen. Dr. Finley says:
“This fault has been silent for over 12,000 years. That’s well within the expected cycle. It’s not a matter of if, but when.”
Experts are urging immediate action to protect communities before it’s too late. Canada must prepare now to avoid what could be a disaster unlike anything it has seen before in the northern regions.
The Tintina Fault in Yukon, once thought to be inactive, is now confirmed to be active and could trigger a devastating earthquake. New technology shows it has moved recently in geological terms, and pressure is building. With Dawson City nearby and much of the region unprepared, Canada must act fast to improve infrastructure and emergency readiness.
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