Pacific Northwest

New research reported by ScienceDaily indicates the Earth's crust beneath the Pacific Northwest is being torn apart. The finding points to geological rifting processes underway in the region, with scientists studying what this means for the area's tectonic future. Coverage of the study has drawn broad attention online.

Three earthquakes of around magnitude 5.0 struck off the coast near Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. The quakes, hitting in quick succession, were recorded by seismologists in the seismically active Cascadia region off the Pacific Northwest coast. There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries, and authorities did not issue tsunami warnings. Residents along the coast reported feeling light shaking, and monitoring agencies continue to track aftershocks in the area.