Over the past 30 years, scientists have pieced together various lines of evidence and concluded that the largest earthquakes on Earth occur on our doorstep.
Although no large earthquake has happened along the B.C. coast since European arrival, the geologic record shows that 20 such earthquakes have occurred in the past 10,000 years, most recently in 1700.
One of the scientists who has contributed to this knowledge will be the guest speaker at the Tuesday's meeting of the Burke Mountain Naturalists.
John Clague is professor and Canada Research Chair in natural hazards research, earth sciences at Simon Fraser University.
Clague is also the author of two popular books on the geology and geologic hazards of southwest British Columbia as well as a textbook on natural hazards.
At the naturalists' meeting, Clague will describe how scientists found and interpreted the geological and biological evidence of these big - but rare - earthquakes, and review the likely effects of the next "big one."
This presentation begins at 7:30 p.m. on April 8 in the hall of Como Lake United Church, which is located on the corner of Marmont Street and King Albert Avenue in Coquitlam. Everyone is welcome to attend and there is no charge.
For more information, call 604-936-4108 or 604-461-3864, or visit www.bmn.bc.ca.
