For the first time, scientists have watched a subduction zone literally fall apart beneath the ocean floor. Using advanced seismic imaging, they found the Juan de Fuca plate splitting into fragments as it sinks beneath North America. Rather than collapsing all at once, the plate is tearing piece by piece, like a train slowly derailing. The finding helps explain ancient plate fragments and could refine how scientists understand earthquake behavior.
Source: Earth is splitting open beneath the Pacific Northwest, scientists say
neat! but will take some time… according to Gemini+:
Juan de Fuca Plate – The Juan de Fuca Plate moves at a rate of approximately 35 to 45 mm (3.5 to 4.5 cm) per year.
Adn the Explorer plate, north of the Juan de Fuca plate, smaller, moves ~1/2 that. These are on the scale of fingernail growth.
