GSOC Partners with Northwest Energy Association
/On Oct 2-3, the Northwest Energy Association (NWEA) held a symposium entitled, Energy Infrastructure Preparedness for a Cascadia Mega-Earthquake. The program was a collaboration between top researchers and municipal/state agencies that illustrated and evaluated Oregon’s level of preparedness for the “big one”.
Scientists set the stage with the tectonic framework of N. America, explained the paleoseismic record, evaluated the range of shaking, and informed of possible early warning systems. Yumei Wang brought attention to the fact that Oregon’s energy infrastructure is located in a very vulnerable area for earthquake hazards, particularly soil liquefaction. Representatives from pipeline companies, power administration and emergency management detailed the current susceptibility state of these vital services.
OPB's Oregon Field Guide presents "Unprepared" on Oct 1, 2015. "Unprepared" is part of an integrated radio, TV and online effort that examines our region's vulnerability to a mega-quake. The Pacific Northwest has seen earthquakes before. But Cascadia subduction zone earthquakes are completely different-and will trigger massive destruction from British Columbia to California and produce tsunamis that can wipe entire towns off the map.
Watch the Oregon Field Guide episode, Unprepared, an in depth look at how the Pacific Northwest would be affected by a massive Cascadia earthquake.
