‘Strong' tremors recorded for the past week under Hood Canal

KIRO ^ | Updated: Feb 28, 2017 - 9:14 AM | KIPP ROBERTSON, MyNorthwest.com Writer

[BenLurkin]

There’s little doubt in local seismologists’ minds that the numerous tremors recorded in the Puget Sound region over the past several days are related to a phenomenon that some say increases the risk of a major earthquake.

Just how much the event increases the risk of a mega-quake is up for debate, but one thing is for sure, the tremors are spreading.

“Just over a week with strong tremor[s] every day and spreading mostly north,” the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network wrote on its blog.

About every 14 months, the Cascadia Subduction Zone that stretches from Northern Vancouver Island to Cape Mendocino, Calif., experiences an episodic tremor and slip, or “slow slip” for short. During these events, the Juan de Fuca Plate moves westward and adds stress to the Cascadia Subduction Zone some. Some scientists believe the 620-mile subduction zone is at slightly higher risk for a major earthquake.

[GodBlessRonaldReagan]

Gojira!

[ptsal]

Will Seattle move north and west?

Shake rattle and roll.

[BwanaNdege]

Will Seattle move north and west?

Yes. If you look at the map, you will notice that West is also to the LEFT.

Seattle ALWAYS moves more to the LEFT...

[jettester]

Move more left?

[dainbramaged]

We live in the area and there was a pretty good jolt the other night - got my attention for sure.

[Zeppo]

During these events, the Juan de Fuca Plate moves westward and adds stress to the Cascadia Subduction Zone

Trying to parse this - doesn't the Juan de Fuca Plate move towards the northeast, and not westward? And the North American plate moves westward?

Or am I misunderstanding something?

[21twelve]

No - you are correct - it moves E - NE. These reporters are idiots. Someone once said “think of anything you have been involved in that was reported in the papers - they always get it wrong”.

Unless maybe the Russians hacked the Juan de Fuca Plate.

[Zeppo]

Thanks...

Unless maybe the Russians hacked the Juan de Fuca Plate.

I wouldn't put it past them. Either Juan de Fuca must resign or be brought up on charges. I demand it!

[Robert A Cook PE]

Relative motion depends on the speed (and relative direction) of the two plates.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

Pet peeve. Observing tremors did not increase the risk of a major temblor. The probability of such an event may have increased, but the probability of a big shake was not caused by the small tremors.

[Don W]

If you look at an aerial views of the region, you can see how the J de F and Pacific plates are being pulled under the North American plate. The San Juan/Gulf islands were part of Vancouver Island, but have been pulled away over the eons.

[refermech]

Just Rosie O’donnel walking to the fridge...