GEOGRAPHY
Physical - Geology
Most Active Fault Lines
This list features the most active fault lines in the world based on the frequency and magnitude of earthquakes.
RANK | FAULT LINE | LOCATION | TYPE | ANNUAL FREQUENCY |
1 | Japan Trench | Japan | Subduction zone | 100+ (frequent small to large) |
2 | Himalayan Frontal Thrust | India; Nepal | Thrust | 20+ (significant events, less frequent) |
3 | San Andreas Fault | USA | Strike-slip | 10–20 (moderate earthquakes) |
4 | North Anatolian Fault | Turkey | Strike-slip | 10–15 (moderate to large) |
5 | Nankai Trough | Japan | Subduction zone | 10+ (major events, less frequent) |
6 | East African Rift | Ethiopia; Kenya | Rift zone | 5–10 (moderate to large) |
7 | Kuril–Kamchatka Trench | Russia | Subduction zone | 5–10 (large events) |
8 | Kermadec-Tonga Subduction Zone | New Zealand | Subduction zone | 5–10 (frequent) |
9 | Main Himalayan Thrust | Himalaya | Subduction zone | 2–5 (major events) |
10 | Alaska-Aleutian Megathrust | USA | Subduction zone | 1–3 (large events, infrequent) |
11 | Cascadia Subduction Zone | USA; Canada | Subduction zone | 1–3 (large events every 300–500 years) |
References
