What is a subduction zone?

A subduction zone is an area where one tectonic plate slides beneath another.

What is the primary cause of earthquakes in subduction zones?

The primary cause is the locking and sudden release of stress between two plates as one slides beneath the other.

Name: Exploring Earthquakes
Author: Insta~Lesson

I can describe the causes and effects of earthquakes.

1
The Cascadia Subduction Zone is a major fault line that spans from Vancouver Island to Northern California and is expected to have massive earthquakes every 500 years or so.
2
When the Cascadia Subduction Zone fault ruptures, it causes the water above it to rise and flow out in all directions, creating a tsunami.
3
If the Cascadia earthquake were to strike today, the coastline could suddenly sink by up to six feet, which would raise the sea level and increase coastal flooding risks.