# Cascadia Subduction Zone Information Card
Who / What
The Cascadia subduction zone is a significant tectonic boundary located in North America, defined as a 620-mile (1,000 km) convergent plate boundary that stretches from northern Vancouver Island in Canada to Northern California in the United States. This zone is capable of producing powerful earthquakes and tsunamis.
Background & History
The Cascadia subduction zone represents a convergent plate boundary, with its extent spanning approximately 70–100 miles (110–160 kilometers) off the Pacific coast of North America. It is historically significant because it has the potential to generate major seismic events, including earthquakes with magnitudes exceeding 9.0, and tsunamis that could reach 100 feet (30 m) high.
Why Notable
The zone is notable for its geological significance, as it is capable of producing powerful earthquakes and tsunamis. The Oregon Department of Emergency Management estimates that the shaking from this zone would last for 5–7 minutes along the coast, with strength and intensity decreasing further from the epicenter.
In the News
The Cascadia subduction zone remains relevant due to its inherent geological potential, as it is a critical area capable of producing significant seismic events. Its importance lies in its capacity to generate major earthquakes and tsunamis that pose a threat to coastal communities.
