Cascadia Subduction Zone: "The Big One"?

[Mutant Monster RAEG-HAPYP]

The Cascadia Subduction Zone is located off the coast of the U.S. Pacific Northwest and Southwest British Columbia. And according to excerpts, it might unleash a megaquake at some point.

 

It already has centuries ago in the year 1700. They say that's the largest earthquake ever to hit the continental U.S., one of the biggest earthquakes ever, and unleashed a tsunami that went across the Pacific to Japan.

 

They say another megaquake could happen, a 9.0., and keep in mind that twin big cities, Portland and Seattle, would be absolutely devastating, along with many other towns and cities,

 

http://www.cnn.com/2016/02/11/us/cascadia-subduction-zone-earthquakes/

 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3480680/Terrifying-simulation-shows-Pacific-Northwest-decimated-megaquake-Cascadia-fault.html

 

http://www.wired.com/2010/01/0126northwest-quake-japan-tsunami/

 

Now, obviously, we don't know when this could happen, or even if it will. Still, how and what do you think can be done to prepare for a potential megaquake, if anything? Have you heard of Cascadia before? Do you think a big one will happen? I thought this would make for an interesting debate. Have at it.

[cr47t]

I hope this doesn't happen; we've already got enough problems. I do hope the West Coasters are aware of this so they don't get blindsided if it comes.

 

Also, why are you using the Daily Mail as a source? >_<

[Flame Dragon]

I've heard of this a few times. Once was YEARS ago back when I watched tons of science channel shows. Recently saw info about it circulating around the internet, likely since more people are learning about it. Portland and Seattle are both in the top 25 metropolitan areas so the lose of life is super scary to think about, even removing all the other ares that would be affected. Seattle is also a major gaming hub so the extra sting exists should something happen there.

 

As for how to handle it, the options are kind of limited. Honestly, upgraded building to better handle earthquakes and having good evacuations routes is just about the best things they can do. Not sure past that and studying more on the past quakes.

[Mutant Monster RAEG-HAPYP]

I hope this doesn't happen; we've already got enough problems. I do hope the West Coasters are aware of this so they don't get blindsided if it comes.

 

Also, why are you using the Daily Mail as a source? >_<

I found it good enough to use. If you have a problem, leave, because you're not going to ruin this thread, I can tell you that much.

 

I've heard of this a few times. Once was YEARS ago back when I watched tons of science channel shows. Recently saw info about it circulating around the internet, likely since more people are learning about it. Portland and Seattle are both in the top 25 metropolitan areas so the lose of life is super scary to think about, even removing all the other ares that would be affected. Seattle is also a major gaming hub so the extra sting exists should something happen there.

 

As for how to handle it, the options are kind of limited. Honestly, upgraded building to better handle earthquakes and having good evacuations routes is just about the best things they can do. Not sure past that and studying more on the past quakes.

The worst part is, they are totally unprepared for something of this magnitude. There's not much they can do either, tbh.

[Flame Dragon]

The worst part is, they are totally unprepared for something of this magnitude. There's not much they can do either, tbh.

I mean, the scientific community has only known about this for MAYBE 20 years tops so reconfiguring major cities which has been around for years is not something that can happen quickly. Especially since the money for the needed upgrades won't come easily. Evacuation should be the first priority, though I'm honestly unsure how well known the subduction zone is, even in the northwest.

[Mutant Monster RAEG-HAPYP]

I mean, the scientific community has only known about this for MAYBE 20 years tops so reconfiguring major cities which has been around for years is not something that can happen quickly. Especially since the money for the needed upgrades won't come easily. Evacuation should be the first priority, though I'm honestly unsure how well known the subduction zone is, even in the northwest.

Yeah, that's true.

 

Most people seem to think the San Andreas Fault will cause the big one. That's more well known, but Cascadia seems to be the bigger threat.

 

From what I've seen and read, one plate is pushing up on the other, causing it to buckle. Eventually, it will unleash a massive jolt.

[Dad]

Moved to front page General.  Not much to really debate, but rather speculate.

[Flame Dragon]

Yeah, that's true.

 

Most people seem to think the San Andreas Fault will cause the big one. That's more well known, but Cascadia seems to be the bigger threat.

 

From what I've seen and read, one plate is pushing up on the other, causing it to buckle. Eventually, it will unleash a massive jolt.

Even if the San Andreas Fault causes the big one it could never be as bad because it is so well known. We've had over 100 years to prepares and have been building with it in mind. While it can end up being worse than we could imagine, the southwest IS ready for it if/when it comes. The northeast simply isn't and it could take decades before it is.