About Us and Contacts
The US Geological Survey is your source for science you can use.
As an unbiased, multi-disciplinary science organization that focuses on biology, geography, geology, geospatial information, and water, we are dedicated to the timely, relevant, and impartial study of the landscape, our natural resources, and the natural hazards that threaten us.
The USGS Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Cascadia Project purpose is to increase understanding of earthquake hazards in the Pacific Northwest, to improve awareness among businesses and individuals of earthquake hazard risk, and to develop information used to mitigate losses experienced in a damaging earthquake.
To familiarize yourself with the Earthquake Hazard Program, please read About Us on the program page.
This project has staff working all across the nation, but primarily located in Seattle, Washington, Golden, Colorado, and Menlo Park, California. The field office in Seattle at the University of Washington was established to provide a point of contact for the public, engineers, scientists, and emergency managers for USGS information and activities in the Pacific Northwest.
Project leaders are Art Frankel (Golden) and Craig Weaver (Seattle)
Pacific Northwest Seismic Network
Damaging earthquakes are well known in the Pacific Northwest, including several larger than magnitude 7. In 1965, a magnitude 6.5 earthquake shook the Seattle, Washington, area causing substantial damage and seven deaths. This event spurred the installation of the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network (PNSN) in 1969 to monitor regional earthquake activity. PNSN data help scientists understand Pacific Northwest earthquake hazards, predict volcanic eruptions at Mount St. Helens, and determine the location of faults and volcanic magma chambers.
The PNSN provides an educational outreach program on current seismicity and the potential damage from future earthquakes. The PNSN collects and analyzes data to provide rapid and accurate information on earthquakes and volcanic activity in Washington and Oregon. Starting with five seismometers in 1969, the PNSN has grown to include over 150 seismograph stations. Data from the PNSN are used for research, daily monitoring, and to provide information to emergency managers and the public after felt events.
Contacts:
PNSN Principal Investigators:
John Vidale, Network Director
Paul
Bodin, Network Manager, contact info
Staff:
Ruth Ludwin, Seismologist
Bill Steele, Director
of Information Services, contact info
Pat McChesney, Engineering Technician
Amy Wright, Seismic
Analyst
Karl Hagel, Seismology
Electronics Technician
Lynn Simmons, Research Contractor
Terry Bartlett, Senior Computer Specialist
Jon Connolly, Seismology Lab Coordinator
Renate Hartog, Seismologist
Mailing address:
Seismology Lab
University of Washington Dept. of Earth and Space Sciences
Box 351310
Seattle, WA 98195-1310
Phone Number: 206-543-7010
FAX: 206-685-5788
e-mail: seis_info@ess.washington.edu
