Do you know Washington’s four kinds of earthquake sources?
- John Cornelison
- January 11, 2012
Table of Contents
Cascadia Subduction Zone
Example: the 1700 earthquake that caused shaking and a tsunami that inundated the Oregon coast and reached as far as Japan.
Intraplate
Example: the 2001 Nisqually, Washington, earthquake that affected Washington and northwestern Oregon.
Volcanic
Example: the 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption-related earthquakes.
Crustal
Example: the 1993 Scotts Mills and Klamath Falls earthquakes Crustal earthquakes also occur in southeastern Oregon where the crust is pulling
apart.
Coming to terms with seismicity
Washington’s earthquake hazards come not only from different kinds of earthquakes and from associated tsunamis but from damage that can result from processes
triggered by these events. Understanding earthquakes and how damage occurs can help you prepare your home or business.
Plagiarism warning: All this came from the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries’ Winter 2010 Newsletter which isn’t all that recent – but is still full of nice graphics and helpful tips. Check out their latest offerings at: www.OregonGeology.org
