The largest earthquake ever recorded in Alberta, which rattled homes and nerves on Tuesday, was likely due to natural causes, a geologist says.
Rebecca Salvage from the University of Calgary says the 5.6 magnitude earthquake that rumbled near Peace River in northwestern Alberta originated at least six kilometers underground. It is probably too deep to be artificially induced, she said.
“The depth infers that it is probably natural. Natural events usually take place at those depths.”
The Alberta Geological Survey reported that the series of seismic events near Reno, a small rural hamlet about 40 kilometers southeast of Peace River, began in the late afternoon and continued into the early evening.
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At least 2 earthquakes were felt in northern Alberta on Tuesday
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At least 2 earthquakes were felt in northern Alberta on Tuesday
The survey recorded the main quake at nearly 5.6 on the Richter scale, although other agencies measured it higher. It was preceded by two smaller earthquakes and followed by several aftershocks.
Carmen Langer, a landowner in the area, was climbing the stairs of his home when the earthquakes struck.
“I had to go right down on my knees and grab a rail,” he said.
The earthquakes, which came with the sound of a freight train, caused his lights to sway, he said. He also saw the glass in the windows of his house bending.
“I think you’re scared,” he said. “You don’t know what comes after that.”
RCMP reported no injuries from the earthquakes.
Energy extraction processes, such as fracking, have contributed to earthquakes in other parts of the province. But Salvage said those kinds of earthquakes usually occur in the Earth’s upper layers.
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She said scientists are aware of geological faults in the area, although it is too soon to know which one was the source.
She said Tuesday’s quakes are rare in Alberta and provide an exciting opportunity to learn more about the province’s deep geology. She said they are likely related to seismic events that occurred when the Rocky Mountains were created.
“We still get influences from the Rocky Mountains,” she said. “It’s feasible that some of the stress from that continues to dissipate over British Columbia and Alberta.”
© 2022 The Canadian Press
