The Valley Fault System: Everything you need to know

The Valley Fault System

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The Marikina Valley Fault System or Valley Fault System is a geological formation located in the Philippines that runs from the Sierra Madre mountain range in the east to Laguna de Bay in the west. It is composed of two major fault lines, the West Valley Fault and the East Valley Fault.

Relief map of Metro Manila and nearby provinces showing the surface traces of the West and East Valley Faults by Ervin Mallicdem via Wikimedia cc — Relief map of Metro Manila and nearby provinces showing the surface traces of the West and East Valley Faults By Ervin Malicdem – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, cc

The West Valley Fault is approximately 100 kilometers long and runs through several cities in Metro Manila, including Quezon City, Marikina, Pasig, Taguig, Muntinlupa, and other neighboring provinces. The East Valley Fault, on the other hand, is approximately 10 kilometers long and runs through Rizal province.

The Valley Fault System is considered a potential source of large earthquakes that could cause significant damage and loss of life in the Philippines. It has been the subject of intensive study and monitoring by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) to better understand its behavior and potential for generating earthquakes.

PHIVOLCS has also released a Valley Fault System Atlas that includes maps of the fault system and information on areas that could be affected by potential earthquakes. The atlas is used by various government agencies, local government units, and the private sector to help them prepare and plan for earthquake disasters.

Given the potential dangers posed by the Fault System, it is important for people living in the areas affected by the fault lines to be prepared and informed about the risks of earthquakes. This includes having emergency kits, and evacuation plans, and understanding the earthquake drills and preparedness measures provided by their respective communities.

What is The Big One?

“The Big One” is a term used to refer to a potential major earthquake that could strike the Philippines, particularly the areas along the West Valley Fault. The term is often used to describe an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.2 or higher, which is the estimated magnitude of a potential earthquake that could occur along the West Valley Fault.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has been warning about the possibility of “The Big One” for many years. According to their studies, the West Valley Fault is capable of generating a large earthquake that could result in significant damage and loss of life, particularly in highly populated areas in Metro Manila.

To prepare for “The Big One,” the Philippine government has launched a nationwide earthquake preparedness campaign, which includes earthquake drills and other preparedness measures. PHIVOLCS has also released a Valley Fault System Atlas, which provides information on areas that could be affected by potential earthquakes.

It is important for people living in the Philippines, especially those in high-risk areas, to take earthquake preparedness seriously. This includes having an emergency kit, identifying safe places in their homes and workplaces, and practicing earthquake drills. By taking these steps, individuals and communities can better prepare themselves for a potential earthquake and minimize the risks of injury or loss of life.

What type of fault is the Valley Fault System?

The Marikina Valley Fault System, also known as the Valley Fault System (VFS), is a dominantly right-lateral strike-slip fault system in Luzon, Philippines.

How long is the Valley Fault System?

The West Valley Fault is 100 kilometers in length and traverses the cities of Metro Manila namely Taguig, Muntinlupa, Paranaque, Quezon City, Pasig, Makati, and Marikina as well as nearby provinces of Rizal, Laguna, Cavite, and Bulacan.

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