A team of researchers from the Yukon Geological Survey is conducting aerial surveys in a remote mountainous area in southwest Yukon to investigate avalanches and landslides triggered by a magnitude 7.0 earthquake that shook the region recently. The earthquake, which occurred near the Alaska-Yukon border on December 6, has provided evidence of an underground fault that was previously unknown to geologists.
The convergence of two significant plate boundary systems in the southwestern corner of the Yukon has long been a mystery for experts like Michael West, Alaska’s state seismologist. West described this area as a complex intersection point where the Earth’s tectonic plates collide, earning it the nickname of the ‘train wreck of plate tectonics.’
Although both Alaska and the Yukon are seismically active regions, the recent earthquake took place in an area with limited historical seismic activity, prompting further investigation into the connection between the North American plate boundary and major faults within the plate. This event, which had been theorized since the 1960s, has now been observed directly, attracting global interest in the field of geoscience.
The earthquake struck at 12:41 p.m. local time on December 6, with the strongest tremors felt in Burwash Landing and Haines Junction in Yukon. Residents, like Pascale Dubois, experienced intense shaking, with walls and belongings swaying, leading to fears of building collapse. Despite the significant magnitude of the earthquake, its impact on Yukon residents was relatively minor, highlighting the region’s resilience.
The aftermath of the earthquake is evident in the Kluane National Park, where researchers are studying the geological changes caused by the seismic event. The ongoing aftershocks are expected to provide valuable insights into the mountain-building processes in the area, shedding light on the deformation mechanisms of tectonic plates.
The research efforts following the earthquake aim to map the fault lines beneath the surface to enhance earthquake preparedness and risk assessment for nearby communities. The findings from this study are anticipated to contribute to the identification of new fault systems and advance understanding of seismic activity in the region.