Development of Earthquake Early Warning in Canada

Abstract:

Canada is in the process of developing a national Earthquake Early Warning system for regions of moderate to high earthquake risk, focussed along the coast of British Columbia in the west, and the Ottawa River Valley and Saint Laurence Seaway in the east. These regions include seismic source zones shared by both Canada and the United States, like the Cascadia Subduction Zone. Earthquakes along such faults could cause damage and other impacts on both sides of the border. Data will therefore be shared between the two countries. Partnerships with Provinces, Territories, First Nations, and others will help secure the optimal distribution of EEW sensors.

We will demonstrate how Canada’s EEW system will mitigate the impacts of strong earthquakes, through timely notification to and appropriate response actions by critical infrastructure operators, other industrial facilities, and the public. This national EEW system will aid in the country’s efforts to meet the recommendations outlined in the United Nations Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.