Scientists Warn of Possible Mega Tsunami Threat in U.S. Coastal Regions
Scientists are raising concerns about a potential mega tsunami that could impact parts of the U.S., particularly the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, and Hawaii. At the center of the warning is the Cascadia subduction zone, a fault line stretching from Northern California to Vancouver Island. Experts say an earthquake in this zone could cause significant land sinking and trigger massive waves capable of devastating coastal communities.
A new study from Virginia Tech highlights how a major quake in the region could cause land to drop by up to 6.5 feet, expanding coastal flood zones and increasing the risk of widespread flooding. Researchers estimate there’s about a 15% chance of a magnitude 8.0 or greater earthquake occurring in this area within the next 50 years. Such a quake could result in a chain reaction of aftershocks, tsunamis, and long-term disruptions to infrastructure and housing.
Alaska and Hawaii are also on high alert. In Alaska, melting glaciers may increase the chances of landslides and tsunamis, while Hawaii’s history with collapsing volcanoes poses its own risks. Scientists recall that over 100,000 years ago, a massive wave believed to be over 1,000 feet tall hit the island of Lanai after part of a volcano collapsed. With volcanoes like Mauna Loa and Kilauea still active, the danger remains present.
All these regions fall within the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a geologically active zone known for earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. While scientists can’t predict the exact timing of the next event, they encourage residents in at-risk areas to be prepared. Knowing evacuation routes, signing up for alerts, and having an emergency plan in place can make a significant difference in the event of a disaster.
Scientists Warn Of Potential Mega-Tsunami Threat To 3 US States
The research estimates a 15% chance of an earthquake greater than magnitude 8.0 hitting the region within the next 50 years.
A powerful mega-tsunami could threaten large swathes of the United States, particularly the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, and Hawaii, if a massive earthquake strikes along the Cascadia Subduction Zone, scientists have warned. The findings are part of a new study by Virginia Tech researchers, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
The research estimates a 15% chance of an earthquake greater than magnitude 8.0 hitting the region within the next 50 years. Such an event could cause coastal land to sink by up to 6.5 feet, significantly amplifying the tsunami’s destructive force.
The Cascadia Subduction Zone – a 600-mile-long fault line stretching from northern California to Canada’s Vancouver Island – is where the Juan de Fuca Plate is gradually sliding beneath the North American Plate. Scientists say this geological setup has the potential to trigger massive “megathrust” earthquakes capable of displacing vast amounts of water.
According to the study, Northern California, northern Oregon, and southern Washington are among the highest-risk areas. Alaska and Hawaii also face potential threats due to their proximity to active seismic and volcanic regions.
What is a Mega-Tsunami?
Unlike typical tsunamis, which often result in wave heights of a few feet, mega-tsunamis are generated by large-scale underwater disturbances and can produce waves hundreds of feet high, travelling several miles inland. These rare but devastating events have occurred in the past and could pose a severe risk if triggered in populated coastal areas.