Magnitude 6.1 Earthquake Rattles Vancouver Island
Ongoing Seismic Activity off British Columbia Coast
A significant earthquake, registering a preliminary magnitude of 6.1, struck the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, on Thursday morning. The quake occurred around 8:42 a.m. local time, roughly 130 kilometers southwest of Tofino and 200 kilometers west of Ucluelet.
Historical Context
This earthquake is part of an ongoing series of seismic events in the region. In 1918, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake beneath Vancouver Island caused significant damage, while a magnitude 7.3 earthquake beneath the Strait of Georgia in 1946 also had an impact on the area.
Tectonic Activity
The earthquake is believed to have occurred at a depth of approximately 11 kilometers, along the Explorer Plate, a tectonic boundary that separates the Pacific Plate from the Juan de Fuca Plate. The collision of these plates is a known source of seismic activity in the area.
Shaking and Impact
The earthquake was widely felt throughout southwestern British Columbia, with reports of moderate shaking in Vancouver and Victoria. No significant damage or injuries have been reported at this time, but authorities are assessing the situation and monitoring for any potential aftershocks.
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