What happened on January 26 1700 off the coast of the Pacific Northwest?

The 1700 Cascadia earthquake occurred along the Cascadia subduction zone on January 26, 1700 with an estimated moment magnitude of 8.7–9.2. The megathrust earthquake involved the Juan de Fuca Plate from mid-Vancouver Island, south along the Pacific Northwest coast as far as northern California.

What caused large scale subsidence in the Pacific Northwest at about 1700 AD?

The 1700 tsunami that impacted the Puget sound region was triggered by a megathrust earthquake off the coast of northern California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia on the so-called Cascadia margin. The event happened on the evening of January 26th as documented in Japanese historic records.

How long did the 1700 Cascadia earthquake last?

Such an earthquake would have ruptured the earth along the entire length of the 1000 km (~600 mi) long fault of the Cascadia Subduction Zone and severe shaking could have lasted for 5 minutes or longer.

When was the last known great earthquake in the Northwest?

January, 1700
The last known megathrust earthquake in the northwest was in January, 1700, just over 300 years ago. Geological evidence indicates that such great earthquakes have occurred at least seven times in the last 3,500 years, a return interval of 400 to 600 years.

What triggered the 1700 tsunami?

1700: A massive earthquake strikes the Pacific Northwest coast, sending a tsunami racing across the ocean all the way to Japan. The quake caused ground along the coast to permanently drop around 5 feet, lowering coastal forests into salt water. …

How do you survive the big one?

The “really big one” could happen tomorrow or not for hundreds of years. Prepare, instead of panic, by putting together a communications plan, meeting point and your emergency kit. Drop, cover and hold during the shaking and don’t run outside.

What other country was severely affected by the 1700 earthquake?

1700: A massive earthquake strikes the Pacific Northwest coast, sending a tsunami racing across the ocean all the way to Japan.