The Cascade Range, located in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, is primarily affected by tectonic activity related to the subduction of the Juan de Fuca Plate beneath the North American Plate. This geological setting can lead to various types of plate boundary activity, including earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
The areas most likely affected by this plate boundary activity include:
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Washington: The entire state, particularly the western part where major cities like Seattle and Tacoma are located. Mount St. Helens, a well-known active volcano, is also in this region.
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Oregon: The state features several volcanoes in the Cascade Range, including Mount Hood and Crater Lake. Cities like Portland could also experience seismic activity.
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Northern California: The northern region of California, particularly areas near the border with Oregon, can be affected by the seismic activity associated with the plate boundaries.
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British Columbia, Canada: While not part of the United States, it is worth noting that areas in southwestern British Columbia, including Vancouver, are also influenced by the Cascadia Subduction Zone.
In summary, the Cascades' tectonic activity is most likely to impact western Washington, western Oregon, and northern California, with a focus on areas near the Cascade volcanoes.