nbcnews.com
Cascadia Earthquake to Cause Prolonged Coastal Flooding
A new study reveals that a Cascadia earthquake will cause significant coastal land subsidence in Oregon and Washington, resulting in prolonged flooding that will affect more than double the number of people and structures currently at risk, exacerbating the impact of the tsunami and the effects of climate change.
- What are the long-term consequences of land subsidence following a Cascadia earthquake, and how will this impact coastal communities?
- A major earthquake along the Cascadia Subduction Zone could cause coastal land to drop up to 6.5 feet, leading to prolonged flooding in towns like Seaside, Oregon, and Westport, Washington. This subsidence, lasting decades to centuries, will exacerbate existing flood risks and significantly increase the number of people and structures affected beyond initial tsunami damage. The effects will worsen with rising sea levels from climate change.
- How does the combination of post-earthquake land subsidence and rising sea levels due to climate change affect the vulnerability of Pacific Northwest coastal communities?
- The study published in PNAS uses seismic and flood modeling to show that the coastal land subsidence from a Cascadia earthquake will dramatically increase the frequency and extent of flooding in the Pacific Northwest. This previously underestimated consequence will impact populations and infrastructure far beyond the immediate tsunami damage, requiring extensive long-term planning for affected communities. The long-term flooding risk is compounded by accelerating sea level rise caused by climate change.
- What specific infrastructure and planning adaptations will coastal communities in the Pacific Northwest need to implement to mitigate the long-term risks of land subsidence and increased flooding after a Cascadia earthquake?
- This research highlights the critical need for coastal planners to consider long-term land subsidence as a consequence of a Cascadia earthquake, in addition to tsunami impacts. The study's findings necessitate a shift in planning strategies, accounting for prolonged flooding and the permanent alteration of coastal landscapes. This will require significant infrastructure adjustments and community adaptation to persistent inundation.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing emphasizes the long-term consequences of coastal subsidence, presenting it as a significant and under-appreciated threat in addition to the immediate dangers of the earthquake and tsunami. The use of phrases like "expected horrors" and "lasting change" contributes to this emphasis. While the article presents a serious threat, the framing doesn't appear to be manipulative or biased toward a specific viewpoint beyond highlighting an often-overlooked aspect of the risk.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral and descriptive, although words like "horrors" and "onslaught" might be considered slightly loaded. However, these are used to describe the severity of the event and not to express a specific viewpoint.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses primarily on the immediate and long-term effects of coastal subsidence following a Cascadia earthquake, but it omits discussion of other potential earthquake consequences, such as fires, landslides, and infrastructure damage. While acknowledging limitations of space, a brief mention of these additional hazards would provide a more comprehensive picture of the overall risk.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the significant risk of coastal subsidence following a Cascadia earthquake, leading to increased flooding and long-term damage to coastal communities. This directly impacts the sustainability and resilience of cities and communities along the Pacific Northwest coast, threatening infrastructure, population displacement, and economic disruption. The long-term nature of the land subsidence exacerbates the issue, posing challenges to urban planning and coastal protection strategies. The quote, "This lesser talked about hazard is going to persist for decades or centuries after the earthquake," underscores the long-term challenges to sustainable urban development.