Image by KEZI.com By Ben Keolker
Staff Writer The Earth is an unstable place in many ways. There are wars and national feuds, but right now tectonics are the focus. Scientists have predicted that a massive earthquake could devastate the Pacific Northwest sometime the next 50 years because of a place called the Cascadia Subduction Zone. The Cascadia Subduction Zone is an area spanning from southern Alaska to California where two tectonic plates (Juan de Fuca and North America) are colliding. In history this zone has been a hotspot for tectonic activity. It caused the volcanic eruption that created Crater Lake, and it also was the cause of the Mt. Saint Helens eruption in 1980. Historically the last major earthquake in this area was in January, 1700, and only the native peoples experienced it. Now the next major earthquake is about 75 years overdue. Also scientists have estimated the velocity for the earthquake is a 9.0 at worst. But do not fear, scientist have also said that the chances of a 9.0 earthquake is about one in ten. Chances are that there will not be a 9.0, but something slightly less extreme something like a 8.0-8.6. However, in the case of a massive 9.0 earthquake, a tsunami is likely to follow about 15 minutes after the shaking stops. Scientists say that it would take about a year to get all systems such as sewage, water, electricity and roads working again after the earthquake and tsunami hit. But don’t worry, as this is not the apocalypse. It is just a scientific issue. This is indeed a problem, but not a problem that students of LJHS should be worrying about. This is not a huge apocalypse level disaster, although this earthquake will be a problem. The future earthquake will be a natural disaster, but one that our community can handle if prepared. Comments are closed.
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LJHSLakeridge Junior High School is an award-winning academic institution located in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Archives
October 2018
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