According to Earthquakes Canada, an area around 200 kilometres offshore of Vancouver Island is currently experiencing a swarm of earthquakes.
They say this is occurring at the intersection of the northern Juan de Fuca Ridge, Sovanco Fracture Zone, and Nootka Fault Zone.
Since the beginning of July, there have been 11 notable earthquakes in a specific region of the Pacific Ocean.
The most recent two occurred around 8 a.m. on Thursday, July 11th.
The first of which was a 6.4 magnitude on the Richter scale, meaning it was quite large and significant enough to be felt on Vancouver Island, albeit lightly and with no damage resulting from the quake.
This earthquake occurred around 208 kilometres off Port Alice at a depth of 10 kilometres below sea level.
Although this was a significant seismic event, Earthquakes Canada says there is no tsunami expected.
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The second quake occurred approximately half an hour later at 8:35 a.m., according to Earthquakes Canada.
This one occurred quite close to the first earthquake at around 194 kilometres off the coast of Port Alice, and was recorded at a depth of 10 kilometres as well.
Earthquakes Canada says that no one has reported being able to feel this quake as it only clocked in at 4.3 magnitude on the Richter scale.
No tsunami will result from this earthquake either, according to Earthquakes Canada.
These two earthquakes are a result of stored up energy from massive amounts of pressure between tectonic plates or in a fault in the earth’s crust being released.
This causes seismic waves to be released along the earth’s surface which shakes the ground.
When an earthquake occurs on the ocean floor, the ocean floor may suddenly rise or fall, causing the rapid displacement of a massive amount of water which can sometimes cause a large wave, or tsunami to occur.
For information on earthquake and tsunami safety, refer to BC’s preparedness guide.
