This occurrence has the potential to trigger a ‘great’ earthquake of magnitude 9.0, as per Michigan Tech University's Earthquake Magnitude Scale. According to the findings published in the journal Science Advances, the leakage originates around four kilometres beneath the seafloor within the Cascadia Subduction Zone. This subduction zone, known for its susceptibility to earthquakes is in close proximity to the Canadian coastline. Subsequently, an underwater robot revealed that the liquid was a ‘chemically distinct fluid’, which was later identified as tectonic liquid. Although this is the first known occurrence of such a leak in the ocean, scientists believe there could be others, potentially in close proximity.

Source: Hindustan Times May 31, 2023 22:32 UTC