FAQ Results

Keywords searched: 24 March 2006 Interview with Dr. Hal Mofjeld

1. What tectonic plates would need to collide in order to cause a tsunami that would hit the Washington Coast?
2. What role could the San Andreas Fault play in a tsunami on the Washington Coast?
3. How likely is it that within the next 50 or so years, we might face a tsunami on the Washington Coast?
4. Where along the Washington coast would the most tsunami damage be done?
5. If the tsunami were to be similar to the one that devastated Thailand, how much damage would it likely do to the Washington Coast?
6. Where can I find information about tsunami preparedness for Washington State?

1. What tectonic plates would need to collide in order to cause a tsunami that would hit the Washington Coast?
   
   The Juan de Fuca Plate is subducting under the North American Plate along the Washington Coast as part of the Cascadia Subduction Zone. Field observations show that major earthquakes associated with the relative movement of these two plates has caused a series of large local tsunamis on the Washington Coast.
   
   Authority: Dr. Hal Mofjeld, NCTR, May 24, 2006, NOAA Center for Tsunami Research
   
   
2. What role could the San Andreas Fault play in a tsunami on the Washington Coast?
   
   The San Andreas Fault is well-south of the Washington Coast and have strike-slip earthquakes that do not tend to generate major tsunamis. Hence, it is unlikely that earthquakes on this fault would generate tsunamis that are dangerous to the Washington Coast.
   
   Authority: Dr. Hal Mofjeld, NCTR, May 24, 2006, NOAA Center for Tsunami Research
   
   
3. How likely is it that within the next 50 or so years, we might face a tsunami on the Washington Coast?
   
   Scientists in the U.S. Geological Survey estimate that there is a 10-15% chance of a great earthquake on the Cascadia Subduction Zone generating a major tsunami on the Washington Coast during the next 50 years.
   
   Authority: Dr. Hal Mofjeld, NCTR, May 24, 2006, NOAA Center for Tsunami Research
   
   
4. Where along the Washington coast would the most tsunami damage be done?
   
   Tsunami modeling and field studies suggest that low-lying coastal areas would be most affected.
   
   Authority: Dr. Hal Mofjeld, NCTR, May 24, 2006, NOAA Center for Tsunami Research
   
   
5. If the tsunami were to be similar to the one that devastated Thailand, how much damage would it likely do to the Washington Coast?
   
   The damage would be major to low-lying coastal areas.
   
   Authority: Dr. Hal Mofjeld, NCTR, May 24, 2006, NOAA Center for Tsunami Research
   
   
6. Where can I find information about tsunami preparedness for Washington State?
   
   please consult the website for the Washington State Emergency Management Division. This Division is responsible for providing guidance to coastal and other water-side communities on tsunami preparedness.
   
   Authority: Dr. Hal Mofjeld, NCTR, May 24, 2006, NOAA Center for Tsunami Research