Exploring Earthquakes
Learning Objective
I can describe the causes and effects of earthquakes.
Key Concepts
The Cascadia Subduction Zone is a major fault line that spans from Vancouver Island to Northern California and is expected to have massive earthquakes every 500 years or so.
When the Cascadia Subduction Zone fault ruptures, it causes the water above it to rise and flow out in all directions, creating a tsunami.
If the Cascadia earthquake were to strike today, the coastline could suddenly sink by up to six feet, which would raise the sea level and increase coastal flooding risks.
Practice Questions
This lesson includes 10 practice questions to reinforce learning.
View questions preview
1. What is a subduction zone?
2. The Cascadia Subduction Zone is located off the coast of which region?
3. What is the primary cause of earthquakes in subduction zones?
...and 7 more questions
Educational Video
The Next Big Earthquake Could Sink Parts of the Pacific Northwest | NOVA | PBS
NOVA PBS Official