Nadeau, L., Lamontagne, M., Wetmiller, R.J., Brouillette, P., Bent, A.B., and P. Keating, 1998.
Preliminary results and tectonic setting of the Cap-Rouge earthquake of November 5, 1997, Quebec.
Current Research 1998-E, Geological Survey of Canada: 105-115
Abstract:
The November 5, 1997 magnitude (M) 5.1 (Nuttli scale) Cap-Rouge earthquake was one of the largest event known to have occurred in the Québec City metropolitan area (maximum intensity VII). Forty-five aftershocks of 0.4 <= M <= 2.9 were recorded in the following 35 days.
The location of the main shock rupture, determined from the accurate location of five aftershocks recorded by three or four field stations, is within an (2 x 2 x 2) km3 volume, centred at about 46.77 N, 71.41 W at a depth of 21.6 km. The focal mechanism calculated from the P-first motions at 38 seismograph stations is consistent with reverse movement on a northeast-striking and steeply dipping fault.
The hypocentres are located in the Grenville Province basement, beneath the St. Lawrence Lowlands platform and overlying Appalachian nappes. Surface geology, oil exploration well, seismic, and magnetic field data are consistent with a seismic source located along the projection to mid-crust of the Neuville Fault, part of the Iapetan paleorift fault system