Uh Oh

B.C. braces for possible earthquake

Judith Lavoie, CanWest News Service; Victoria Times Colonist
Published: Saturday, February 03, 2007

VICTORIA - Check the emergency supplies, first aid kits and flashlights, there is an increased probability of a major earthquake hitting B.C.'s south coast during the next week.

Seismologists at the Geological Survey of Canada, based at the Pacific Geoscience Centre in Sidney, B.C., are tracking a series of tremors that started in Puget Sound along the U.S. West Coast three days ago and are working their way up Vancouver Island.

The low-level shaking, which can be picked up only by sensitive equipment installed up the coast by U.S. and Canadian governments, rumbled through southern Vancouver Island Thursday, said seismologist Garry Rogers.

"It's like a giant tear that moves 15 to 20 kilometres a day," he said.

Yuck.

It's not the main wave of an earthquake that I hate it's the precursor or P-wave that bugs me the most. 5 seconds or so before "the big one" hits there is this gentle precursor wave that makes you feel like you're about to throw up. It's like your inner ear suddenly looses it and, naturally, you think "What's wrong with me?".

Then the big one hits and it's cool but terrifying. How long will it last and will it get big enough to be ... ... ack ... the big one.

Hide your kittens.