A recent geological study has revealed that the Tintina fault in Yukon, Canada, may be active and capable of causing significant earthquakes, challenging the long-held belief that it has been dormant for over 40 million years.

Utilizing high-resolution topographic data from satellite images and lidar surveys, researchers uncovered evidence of significant prehistoric earthquakes along an 80-mile section of the fault.

Findings indicate that ancient glacial landforms were displaced by up to 1,000 meters, suggesting substantial movements of the fault during the Quaternary period.

The research suggests that the Tintina fault has caused more earthquakes than previously believed, raising concerns about its seismic activity.

Currently, the fault is accumulating strain at a rate of 0.2 to 0.8 millimeters per year, which poses a future earthquake threat, with potential events exceeding magnitude 7.5.

The fault's activity could also impact Alaska's Fairbanks North Star Borough, potentially affecting over 125,000 people and critical infrastructure such as the Trans-Alaska pipeline.

A major earthquake could severely disrupt Dawson City and its vital infrastructure, including highways and mining operations, while also exacerbating existing risks from landslides in the region.

Dr. Michael West, Alaska's state seismologist, emphasized the need for further study of the Tintina fault system, which has remained relatively unexamined despite its potential threat.

Currently, Canada's National Seismic Hazard Model does not recognize the Tintina fault as a significant quake source, but the new findings are expected to prompt updates to enhance safety and preparedness measures.

The Tintina fault extends approximately 1,000 kilometers from Northeastern British Columbia into Alaska and has shifted laterally by about 450 kilometers throughout its geological history.

While small earthquakes of magnitude 3 to 4 have been detected along the Tintina fault in recent decades, these do not indicate the potential for larger ruptures.

The study, published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, reveals that the Tintina fault has been accumulating strain and may be nearing a critical point for a major seismic event.