Science on Tap: Cascadia Shake

DOGAMI scientist surveying shoreline.\Photo courtest of DOGAMI.

The Hatfield Marine Science Center’s Science on Tap series has partially returned to in-person presentations, making it possible to hoist a beverage in company while learning about science again, although there is still an online option.

Next up in the series, on Wednesday, June 22, at 6 p.m., is Jonathan Allan, Coastal Geomorphologist with the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI), speaking on “Minutes Count: In Preparation for the Next Great Cascadia Earthquake and Tsunami.”  The event, free and open to all, takes place in the auditorium of the Gladys Valley Marine Studies Building at the HMSC.

As Allan sums up his talk:

“Geologic evidence from the past 10,000 years indicates the occurrence of 19 great earthquakes that ruptured the full margin of the Cascadia subduction zone (CSZ). The average  recurrence interval of these large earthquake events is about 500 years. An additional 26 smaller earthquakes with associated surface ruptures, have occurred along the southern Oregon coast and northern California over the last 10,000 years, giving a combined average recurrence of about 220 years between events. Geologists estimate there is about a 16-22% chance of a CSZ earthquake taking place in the next 50 years, while the odds of a partial rupture on the southern Oregon coast are much higher at about 37-43%.  Were such an event to take place today, the effects would be catastrophic. Between 2010 and 2013, the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) completed coastwide tsunami inundation modeling. The focus of DOGAMI has since moved to: 1) evaluating evacuation routes and required travel speeds needed to “beat the wave” to high ground; 2) undertaking new maritime modeling in key ports and harbors; and, 3) assessing risks using the FEMA Hazus model to evaluate the potential for casualties, building exposure, damage, and losses for potentially impacted communities. Come join us to learn more about these new mapping products and methods for mitigating the potential large loss of life from a CSZ event.

Food and drink will be available for purchase in the auditorium’s atrium from 5 to 6 p.m. before the talk. Local emergency managers who will be tabling during the social to offer information about what you can do to be prepared.  Note: Food or drink is not allowed in the auditorium.

To attend online, register at https://oregonstate.zoom. us/j/94955927799.

Or Call: +1 971 247 1195   Webinar ID: 949 5592 7799