The possibility of a Cascadia big one (2015, earthquake)

[Clarallel]

From a while back, but still interesting.



The Really Big One
An earthquake will destroy a sizable portion of the coastal Northwest. The question is when.

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2...really-big-one

[pnwguy2]

OMG, this topic has been discussed quite a bit on this site.

The author of this article followed it up with a disclaimer that downplayed some of the hysterical arguments originally offered. Unfortunately, that follow-up is hard to find for some reason.

Here is the science. The last mega-thrust quake off the PNW coast occurred in 1700. We know this as fact. Scientists today generally agree that these type of quakes occur every 300-500 years. So, yes, we are in the window for this to happen again. However, this also may not happen within any of our lifetimes.

The point is we need to be ready, no matter if it happens tomorrow or 100 years from now. The best estimates are the coastal areas are most at risk, with shaking well inland. I interpret this as the Oregon and Washington coast would be devastated, but inland damage would be minimized to some extent. Inland, the risk of mudslides and older building destruction would likely be primary damage.

[ScottStielow]

No way of knowing. Just pray it won't happen in your life time. I know I would not want to see it.