A Cascadia subduction zone stretching from northern Vancouver Island to northern California is a ticking time bomb.

從溫哥華島北部一直延伸到加利福尼亞北部的卡斯卡迪亞俯衝帶是一顆定時炸彈。

For centuries, immense tectonic forces have been silently building, compressing, and twisting beneath the ocean floor.

幾個世紀以來，巨大的構造力一直在海底悄無聲息地建造、壓縮和扭曲。

When this pressure finally erupts, the resulting megathrust earthquake will be nothing short of apocalyptic.

當這種壓力最終爆發時，隨之而來的大地殼地震將是一場世界末日。

Scientists warn that this event isn't just likely, it's inevitable.

科學家警告說，這一事件不僅有可能發生，而且不可避免。

A colossal magnitude 9.0 earthquake followed by a towering tsunami threatens to obliterate Washington, Oregon, and parts of British Columbia and northern California, and alter the Pacific Northwest forever.

一場 9.0 級的特大地震和隨之而來的巨大海嘯有可能摧毀華盛頓州、俄勒岡州、不列顛哥倫比亞省和加利福尼亞州北部的部分地區，並永遠改變西北太平洋地區的面貌。

Yet, despite mounting evidence and dire predictions, many remain unaware or unprepared for what lies ahead.

然而，儘管有越來越多的證據和可怕的預測，許多人仍然沒有意識到或沒有為未來的情況做好準備。

Today, let's delve into the looming threat of the Cascadia megacequake, unraveling its terrifying potential.

今天，讓我們深入探討卡斯卡迪亞大地震迫在眉睫的威脅，揭開其可怕的潛能。

Don't forget to click on that subscribe button and like this video, as it's the best way to support this channel.

別忘了點擊訂閱按鈕並喜歡這段視頻，因為這是支持本頻道的最佳方式。

Located approximately 100 miles off the Pacific Northwest coast, the Cascadia subduction zone spans about 620 miles from the northern reaches of California through Oregon and Washington, and ending off the coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

卡斯卡迪亞俯衝帶距太平洋西北海岸約 100 英里，從加利福尼亞州北部經俄勒岡州和華盛頓州，到不列顛哥倫比亞省溫哥華島海岸，橫跨約 620 英里。

Theoretically, the significant seismic event known as the Big One could occur anywhere along this fault line.

從理論上講，被稱為 "大地震 "的重大地震事件可能發生在這條斷層線的任何地方。

This subduction zone marks the boundary where the Juan de Fuca Plate is being subducted beneath the North American Plate.

這一俯衝帶標誌著胡安-德富卡板塊俯衝到北美板塊之下的邊界。

This process of subduction has been ongoing for millions of years, building up immense tectonic stress.

這一俯衝過程已經持續了數百萬年，積累了巨大的構造應力。

The Cascadia subduction zone has a well-documented history of generating massive earthquakes.

卡斯卡迪亞俯衝帶發生大地震的歷史有據可查。

The most recent megathrust event in the region occurred in 1700.

該地區最近的一次大地殼運動發生在 1700 年。

Geologists estimate that this earthquake had a magnitude of approximately 9.0 and generated a massive tsunami that traveled across the Pacific, devastating Japan's coastlines.

地質學家估計，這次地震的震級約為 9.0 級，引發的巨大海嘯橫跨太平洋，摧毀了日本的海岸線。

Historical records from indigenous oral traditions and sedimentary evidence of coastal subsidence have corroborated the occurrence of this event.

來自土著口述傳統的歷史記錄和海岸沉降的沉積證據證實了這一事件的發生。

Scientists studying the Cascadia Fault's behavior have determined that it produces megathrust earthquakes roughly every 300 to 600 years, placing the region in the latter half of this interval.

研究卡斯卡迪亞斷層行為的科學家已經確定，該斷層大約每隔 300 到 600 年就會發生一次特大地殼地震，而該地區正處於這一間隔的後半段。

The geological mechanics of the Cascadia subduction zone are uniquely suited to produce catastrophic earthquakes.

卡斯卡迪亞俯衝帶的地質構造非常適合發生災難性地震。

Unlike strike-slip faults such as the San Andreas Fault, which primarily involve horizontal movement, subduction zones involve one tectonic plate sliding beneath another.

與主要涉及水準運動的聖安德烈亞斯斷層等走向滑動斷層不同，俯衝帶涉及一塊構造板塊在另一塊構造板塊下方的滑動。

This vertical movement creates the potential for massive displacements of the seafloor, which in turn generate tsunamis.

這種垂直運動會造成海底的巨大位移，進而引發海嘯。

The Cascadia subduction zone is divided into several segments, each capable of rupturing independently or in combination.

卡斯卡迪亞俯衝帶分為幾個區段，每個區段都能獨立或合併發生斷裂。

A full rupture of the entire fault line would release immense energy, likely resulting in one of the largest earthquakes ever recorded.

整條斷層線的完全斷裂將釋放出巨大的能量，很可能導致有史以來最大的地震之一。

Modern seismic research has provided critical insights into the dangers posed by the Cascadia subduction zone.

現代地震研究為了解卡斯卡迪亞俯衝帶帶來的危險提供了重要依據。

Advances in technology, including GPS monitoring, ocean bottom seismometers, and paleoseismology, have allowed scientists to map the region's tectonic activity in unprecedented detail.

全球定位系統監測、海底地震儀和古地震學等技術的進步，使科學家能夠以前所未有的詳細程度繪製該地區的構造活動圖。

These studies reveal that the subduction zone is not continuously slipping, but rather locked, accumulating strain over centuries.

這些研究表明，俯衝帶並沒有持續滑動，而是被鎖定，數百年來不斷積累應變。

This locked state is what creates the potential for a sudden and catastrophic release of energy.

這種鎖定狀態為突然的災難性能量釋放提供了可能。

Slow-slip events, where tectonic plates temporarily move without generating large earthquakes, have also been detected in the region.

該地區還發現了慢速滑動事件，即構造板塊暫時移動而不產生大地震。

While these events release some stress, they are not sufficient to prevent a megathrust earthquake.

雖然這些事件釋放了一些應力，但不足以防止大地殼地震的發生。

In fact, some researchers believe that slow-slip events could even act as precursors, subtly altering the stress distribution and potentially triggering a larger rupture.

事實上，一些研究人員認為，慢速滑動事件甚至可以作為前兆，微妙地改變應力分佈，並可能引發更大的斷裂。

Researchers from the California Institute of Technology have computed that the southern segment of the fault line is the most probable location for the next major earthquake.

加利福尼亞理工學院的研究人員計算得出，斷層線南段是下一次大地震最有可能發生的地點。

This would place the likely epicenter off the coast of Northern California up to Central Oregon.

是以，震中可能位於北加州海岸至俄勒岡州中部。

Regardless of the specific location along the fault line, the entire region would be affected.

無論斷層沿線的具體位置如何，整個地區都會受到影響。

At the very least, major cities such as Eugene, Portland, Tacoma, Seattle, Everett, Victoria, and Vancouver would all experience some level of impact.

至少，尤金、波特蘭、塔科馬、西雅圖、埃弗雷特、維多利亞和溫哥華等大城市都會受到一定程度的影響。

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is working under the assumption that everything west of Interstate 5 will face complete destruction.

聯邦緊急事務管理局的假設是，5 號州際公路以西的所有地區都將面臨徹底毀滅。

It is estimated that over 10 million people across nearly 100,000 square miles will be by the Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake, and the proximity to the epicenter will determine the extent of their impact, not only during the earthquake, but for many years thereafter.

據估計，卡斯卡迪亞俯衝帶地震將波及近 10 萬平方英里的 1,000 多萬人，而距離震中的遠近將決定他們所受影響的程度，不僅是在地震期間，而且是在地震之後的許多年裡。

A Cascadia megathrust earthquake would unleash devastating forces across the Pacific Northwest.

卡斯卡迪亞大地殼地震將在整個西北太平洋地區釋放出毀滅性的力量。

The initial shaking could last for several minutes, far longer than most people are accustomed to experiencing.

最初的搖晃可能會持續幾分鐘，比大多數人習慣的時間要長得多。

Structures not designed to withstand such prolonged seismic activities are likely to collapse, causing widespread casualties and damage.

設計上無法承受這種長時間地震活動的建築物很可能會倒塌，造成大範圍的人員傷亡和財產損失。

High-rise buildings in cities like Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver could sway violently, leading to partial or complete structural failures.

西雅圖、波特蘭和溫哥華等城市的高層建築可能會劇烈搖晃，導致部分或全部結構坍塌。

One of the most immediate and life-threatening consequences of the seaquake would be the tsunami it generates.

海震最直接、最危及生命的後果之一就是引發海嘯。

Within minutes of the earthquake, a massive wall of water could surge toward the coastline, traveling at speeds exceeding 500 miles per hour.

地震發生後幾分鐘內，巨大的水牆就會以每小時超過 500 英里的速度湧向海岸線。

Low-lying areas along the coast, including towns like Cannon Beach, Newport, and Crescent City, would be inundated.

包括坎農海灘、紐波特和新月城等城鎮在內的沿海低窪地區將被淹沒。

The tsunami could penetrate miles inland, sweeping away homes, infrastructure, and anything else in its path.

海嘯可穿透內陸數英里，捲走房屋、基礎設施和路徑上的任何其他東西。

Warning times would be limited, leaving many residents with little chance to evacuate.

預警時間有限，許多居民幾乎沒有機會撤離。

In addition to the immediate destruction, the long-term consequences of a Cascadia megathrust earthquake would be profound.

除了直接的破壞之外，卡斯卡迪亞大地殼地震的長期後果也將是深遠的。

Transportation networks, including highways, bridges, and railways, would be severely disrupted.

包括公路、橋樑和鐵路在內的運輸網絡將受到嚴重破壞。

Ports and airports, critical for commerce and disaster response, could be rendered inoperable.

對商業和救災至關重要的港口和機場可能無法運作。

Electrical grids, water supplies, and communication systems would likely be compromised, leaving millions without basic services.

電網、供水和通信系統很可能受到破壞，導致數百萬人失去基本服務。

The economic cost of such a disaster is estimated to reach hundreds of billions of dollars, with recovery efforts stretching over decades.

據估計，這場災難的經濟損失將高達數千億美元，恢復工作將持續數十年。

After the seismic activity subsides and the tsunami withdraws, the extent of the devastation in the region will become evident, coastal communities will essentially cease to exist, and major cities, particularly Portland and Seattle, will be obliterated.

地震活動減弱、海嘯退去之後，該地區的破壞程度將顯而易見，沿海社區將基本上不復存在，大城市，尤其是波特蘭和西雅圖，將被夷為平地。

Presently, projections indicate that along the I-5 corridor, it will take anywhere from one to three months after the earthquake to restore electricity, a month to a year for the reestablishment of drinking water and sewer services, six months to a year for the restoration of major highways, and 18 months to bring back health care facilities.

目前的預測顯示，在 I-5 號公路沿線，震後恢復供電需要 1 到 3 個月的時間，恢復飲用水和下水道服務需要 1 個月到 1 年的時間，恢復主要公路需要 6 個月到 1 年的時間，恢復醫療設施需要 18 個月的時間。

Along the coast, one can essentially double all these recovery timelines.

沿著海岸線，人們基本上可以將所有這些恢復時間延長一倍。

Naturally, these estimates do not apply to the tsunami zone, which will essentially be uninhabitable for years.

當然，這些估計數字並不適用於海嘯區，因為海嘯區數年內都將無法居住。

The entire Pacific Northwest region will undergo a profound transformation after the significant earthquake, and while the federal government is likely to cover the entire reconstruction expenses, the economic damage to the Pacific Northwest will necessitate a generation to rebuild.

雖然聯邦政府可能會承擔全部重建費用，但西北太平洋地區的經濟損失將需要一代人的時間來重建。

A substantial portion of the population will likely relocate and never return.

相當一部分人可能會搬遷，再也不會回來。

Major corporations and businesses, including Microsoft, Amazon, Nike, Intel, Boeing, and other economic powerhouses for the region, will likely relocate to other parts of the country and may never return.

包括微軟、亞馬遜、耐克、英特爾、波音等在內的大型公司和企業，以及該地區的其他經濟力量，很可能會搬遷到美國其他地區，甚至可能一去不復返。

The Cascadia megathrust earthquake is often compared to other large-scale seismic events, such as the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

人們經常將卡斯卡迪亞大地殼地震與其他大規模地震事件相比較，如 2011 年日本地震和海嘯。

This magnitude 9.1 earthquake devastated northeastern Japan, causing nearly 16,000 fatalities and triggering the Fukushima nuclear disaster.

這次 9.1 級地震摧毀了日本東北部，造成近 16 000 人死亡，並引發了福島核災難。

Despite Japan's advanced earthquake preparedness measures, the scale of the disaster overwhelmed the country's resources, highlighting the immense challenges faced by even the most well-prepared nations.

儘管日本採取了先進的地震防備措施，但這場災難的規模還是讓該國的資源不堪重負，這凸顯出即使是準備最充分的國家也面臨著巨大的挑戰。

Similarly, the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, which killed over 230,000 people across multiple countries, underscores the need for effective early warning systems and coordinated international responses.

同樣，2004 年印度洋地震和海嘯造成多國 23 萬多人死亡，突出表明需要有效的預警系統和協調的國際應對措施。

These events serve as sobering reminders of the destructive power of megathrust earthquakes and the critical importance of preparation and resilience.

這些事件令人警醒，提醒人們注意大地殼地震的破壞力，以及防備和抗災的極端重要性。

The Cascadia megathrust earthquake is not a question of if, but when.

卡斯卡迪亞大地殼地震不是 "如果 "的問題，而是 "何時 "的問題。

The geological forces that drive this fault line have been building toward a catastrophic release of energy for centuries.

幾個世紀以來，驅動這條斷層線的地質力量一直在朝著災難性的能量釋放方向發展。

When that day comes, the Pacific Northwest will face an unprecedented challenge that will test the resilience of its communities, infrastructure, and governments.

當那一天到來時，西北太平洋地區將面臨前所未有的挑戰，這將考驗其社區、基礎設施和政府的應變能力。

But there is a silver lining.

但也有一線希望。

The Pacific Northwest still has the opportunity to prepare itself.

西北太平洋地區仍有機會做好準備。

In fact, the region may have a century or more to prepare.

事實上，該地區可能有一個世紀或更長的時間來做準備。

While the scale of the disaster may seem overwhelming, proactive measures can mitigate its impacts and save lives.

雖然災難的規模似乎難以承受，但積極主動的措施可以減輕災難的影響並挽救生命。

Investments in seismic safety, emergency preparedness, and public education are critical to reducing the region's vulnerability.

投資地震安全、應急準備和公共教育對於降低該地區的脆弱性至關重要。

The lessons of past disasters, both in North America and around the world, provide valuable insights into what works and what does not.

過去在北美和世界各地發生的災難的經驗教訓為我們提供了寶貴的啟示，讓我們瞭解哪些措施可行，哪些措施不可行。

The time to act is now.

現在是採取行動的時候了。

Delaying preparations for the Cascadia earthquake puts millions of lives at risk and jeopardizes the future of one of North America's most vibrant and dynamic regions.

延後對卡斯卡迪亞地震的準備工作會危及數百萬人的生命，並危及北美最具生機和活力地區之一的未來。

By acknowledging the threat and taking decisive action, the Pacific Northwest can confront this looming disaster with courage and resilience, ensuring a safer and more secure future for generations to come.

認識到威脅並採取果斷行動，西北太平洋地區就能以勇氣和韌性應對這場迫在眉睫的災難，確保子孫後代擁有一個更安全、更有保障的未來。

For more UN videos visit www.un.org

欲瞭解更多聯合國視頻，請訪問 www.un.org