Earth is splitting open beneath the Pacific Northwest, scientists say

Juan de Fuca plate beneath Pacific Northwest

First documented subduction zone fragmentation

Plate tearing piece by piece during subduction

April 30, 2026 Pacific Northwest

Juan De Fuca Plate Beneath Pacific Northwest Location

First Documented Subduction Zone Fragmentation Scientific observation

Plate Tearing Piece By Piece During Subduction Mechanism

Scientists observed the Juan de Fuca plate fragmenting as it sinks beneath North America, a first-time documentation of subduction zone failure.