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Earthquake Country |
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"Earthquake Country", right here in the Pacific Northwest? Yes it is true. Washington State has the third highest earthquake threat in the U.S. Moderate earthquakes recently and over the past 150 years have caused widespread damage throughout the Pacific Northwest, and experts warn such earthquakes are certain to occur again. Recent scientific findings anticipate even larger earthquakes in our future.
There are three main sources for damaging earthquakes in the Pacific Northwest region. Subduction Zone, Benioff Zone, and shallow crustal earthquakes each vary in degree of magnitude and potential damage.
As shown above, our region sits near the Cascadia Subduction Zone, which poses a large hazard to the entire area. Great Subduction Zone earthquakes are the largest earthquakes in the world, and can exceed magnitude 9.0. While no home structure can be made to be "earthquake-proof", retrofitting your home, both structurally and non-structurally will ensure damage and loss will be kept to a minimum.
Want to learn more about our region's geology and why are prone to earthquakes?
- The Pacific Northwest Seismic Network
- Frequently Asked Questions - Earthquakes in Washington and Oregon
- U.S. Geological Survey Earthquake Hazards Program
- Cascadia Region Earthquake Workgroup (CREW)
- History of major local earthquakes
- February 2001 Nisqually Earthquake
- Seattle P-I Nisqually Earthquake Story
Want to learn other ways to prepare your family for earthquakes or other emergencies?
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