The largest earthquakes along western North America are due to subduction beneath the continent.They include ________________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

All of the given options are correct statements about the largest earthquakes along western North America, which are caused by subduction of the Pacific and Cocos plates beneath the continent. The 1964 Alaska earthquake (option A) is one of the largest earthquakes ever recorded and was due to subduction of the Pacific plate. The 1985 Mexico City earthquake (option B) was also caused by subduction, but of the Cocos plate. The subduction zone off the coast of Oregon and Washington (option C) generated a magnitude 9 earthquake in 1700, which was identified through various geological and historical records.

The Largest Earthquakes Along Western North America Are Due to Subduction