GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The Pacific Coast is the most earthquake-prone region of Canada. In the offshore region to the west of Vancouver Island, more than 100 earthquakes of magnitude 5 or greater (large enough to cause damage had they been closer to land) have occurred during the past 70 years.

Detailed explanation-2: -Earthquakes are common in BC; more than 1, 200 are recorded each year. They are caused by the continual movement of tectonic plates and strike without warning.

Detailed explanation-3: -Some of the world’s largest earthquakes have occurred here in BC. Our best research shows that these catastrophic earthquakes will occur again and can happen at any time. In fact, our area is home to thousands of small earthquakes every year.

Detailed explanation-4: -More than 200 small earthquakes are recorded each year in this region, several of which are felt. Those large enough to cause damage occur roughly once each decade, whereas the very large subduction zone earthquakes happen centuries apart.

Detailed explanation-5: -Seismic Hazard Potential The seismicity of the City of Victoria and surrounding areas is dominated by the interface of the oceanic Juan de Fuca plate beneath the continental North America plate occurring about 100km west of Southern Vancouver Island – also called the Cascadia Subduction Zone.