Through modern science one learns the Pacific Ring of Fire is ancient and constantly in motion, that devastating earthquakes and tsunamis within the "Ring" are cyclical events rather than singular ones. The fault lines in California and the Cascadia Subduction Zone in the Pacific Northwest are due for natural adjustments.
Scientists and historians believe the last major shift in the Earth's tectonic plates in the Cascadia Subduction Zone occurred in 1700. Last week's 9.0-magnitude earthquake and resulting tsunami in Japan have forced citizens and local governments along the West Coast to re-evaluate their contingency plans. The following resources help paint a picture of Oregon's preparedness, or lack thereof.
• Ruth Zschomler, The Columbian: Cascadia Subduction Zone: Are Portland and Seattle prepared for an earthquake and tsunami? About 50 miles offshore under the Pacific Ocean runs the Cascadia Subduction Zone, reaching from Northern California to British Columbia -- more than 600 miles long. Unlike the San Andreas Fault where two tectonic plates butt up against each other, in a subduction zone one plate is pushed under the other. In Cascadia, the Juan de Fuca Plate is being shoved under the North American Plate.
Oregon Coast present day
• Jamie Francis, The Oregonian: From above, Oregon coastline masks the powerful force below After last week's earthquake and tsunami in Japan, it's impossible to fly the 286 miles between Astoria and Brookings without thinking about that heartbreaking event or what could happen if a powerful quake ruptured 75 miles off Pacific City, Newport or Gold Beach. • Lynne Terry, The Oregonian: Next Oregon Coast tsunami may be different Tsunamis are so infrequent in Oregon that people forget about the dangers -- and in this instance the state had hours to prepare. When a powerful earthquake hits off the coastline along the Cascadia fault, people will have 20 minutes to flee. • Lori Tobias, The Oregonian: Don't turn your back on tsunami warnings But as they were about to learn, tsunamis operate on their own clock and when they do arrive, it is with a force that is utterly unforgettable
DW Description: Chris Langan is known to have the highest IQ in the world, somewhere between 195 and 210. To give you an idea of what this means, the average...
You need to be a member of 12160 Social Network to add comments!
Join 12160 Social Network