Natural Disaster Preparedness in the Pacific Northwest (PNW): Plate Tectonics and Their Hazards

Natural Disaster Preparedness Natural Disaster Preparedness in the Pacific Northwest (PNW):in the Pacific Northwest (PNW):

Plate Tectonics and Their HazardsPlate Tectonics and Their Hazards

Audience: Washington State ResidentsAudience: Washington State Residents

Presented By: Emily BrownPresented By: Emily Brown

Walden UniversityWalden University

PUBH 6165-2 Environmental HealthPUBH 6165-2 Environmental Health

Professor Rebecca HeickProfessor Rebecca Heick

Winter, 2010Winter, 2010

..

Pacific NorthwestPacific Northwest• Ranges Northern

California to Southeast Alaska

• Geologically diverse and active

• Part of “Ring of Fire”

Alt, DD & Hyndman, DW. (1994) Roadside Geology of Washington. Mountain Press Publishing Company. Missoula, Montana.

United State Geological Survey (USGS). (2009) Columbia River Basalt. Retrieved January 20, 2010 from http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Volcanoes/ColumbiaPlateau/description_columbia_plateau.html

USGS. (2003) Ring of Fire. Retrieved January 20, 2010 from http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Glossary/PlateTectonics/description_plate_tectonics.html

Figure 1: Columbia River Plateau. (USGS, 2009)

EarthEarth

West, K. (2009) Layers of the Earth. Franklin Institute. InfoBase Publishing New York NY.

Figure 2: Mantle Convection (West, 2009)

Plate TectonicsPlate Tectonics

USGS. (2009) Dynamic Earth. Retrieved January 21, 2010 from http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/dynamic/dynamic.pdf

Figure 3: Plate Tectonics: In the middle of the map lies the Pacific Ocean Plate its boundaries represent the most geological active area in the world know as the “Ring of Fire”.

Plate Tectonics (cont.)Plate Tectonics (cont.)


Figure 4: Three types of plate interactions. (USGS, 2009)

PNW Plate tectonicsPNW Plate tectonics

Lovgren, S. (2003) Did North America Quake Cause the 1700 Japan Tsunami? National Geographic. Retrieved January 22, 2010 from http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/12/1208_031208_tsunami.html


Consists of all three types of plate interaction.

These interactions puts the PNW at risk for volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and Tsunamis.

Figure 5: Plate interactions in the PNW and seismic activity from 1996 to 2002. (USGS, 2009)

VolcanoesVolcanoes

Montgomery, CW. (1997) Environmental Geology. McGraw Hill. 5 th Ed.


Figure 6: Events of Mt St Helens Eruption on May 18, 1980. (USGS, 2009)

Mt St Helens eruption has lead to advances in prediction of volcanism, which has saved lives.

Mt RainierMt Rainier

United States Census Bureau. (2009) "Annual Estimates of the Population of Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas: April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2008 (CBSA-EST2008-01)" (CSV). Population Division. Retrieved January 22, 2010 from http://www.census.gov/popest/metro/tables/2008/CBSA-EST2008-01.csv.


Fig 7: Potential hazards associated with Mt Rainier. The orange areas are effected by major lahars events in the past. (USGS, 2009)

EarthquakesEarthquakes

Types of waves

• Body waves– P-waves– S-waves

• Surface waves– Rayleigh waves– Love waves

Fig. 8 Type of motion patterns generated by earthquakes

USGS. (2005) Seismic Waves. Retrieved January 24, 2010 from http://earthquake.usgs.gov/learn/topics/?topicID=63

TsunamisTsunamis

USGS. (2008) Model of Papua New Guinea Tsunami. Retrieved January 24, 2010 from http://walrus.wr.usgs.gov/tsunami/PNGhome.html

Figure 9. 1998 Tsunami model of Papua New Guinea that resulted in 2200 deaths.

Overview of Hazards in the PNWOverview of Hazards in the PNW

PNW geological hazards will happen, so the focus is on how to lessen their impact, not prevent them.

Though warning systems and evacuation plans are put in place, only volcanic prediction models have proven reliable.


Emergency Kits Emergency Kits America Red Cross (2009) recommends a basic kit should

include the following:• A 3 day supply of water and food.• Flashlight• Battery-powered or hand cranked radio and/or cell phone

with charger • First Aid Kit • Whistle• Multipurpose tool• Dust Mask, Duct Tape, Garbage Bags and Toilet Paper

American Red Cross. (2007) Build a kit. Retrieved January 23, 2010 from http://www.redcross.org/preparedness/educatorsmodule/EDU_Be_Disaster_Safe/6-8%20BDS%20LP%208%20build%20a%20kit.pdf

Katz, L. (2010) iPhone App Helps Man Survive Haiti Quake, CNet News. Retrieved February 09, 2010 from http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10438121-1.html

Additional Emergency Kits SuppliesAdditional Emergency Kits Supplies• Matches • Fire extinguisher. • Needles and thread. • Paper plates, plastic cups and utensils.• Chlorine bleach and other disinfectant cleaners. • Writing supplies and contact numbers. • Copies of important documents. Cash or traveler's

checks.• Blankets, bedding, sleeping bags. • Comfortable clothes and shoes. • Supplies for babies, children, elderly, and pets.

American Red Cross. (2007) Build a kit. Retrieved January 23, 2010 from http://www.redcross.org/preparedness/educatorsmodule/EDU_Be_Disaster_Safe/6-8%20BDS%20LP%208%20build%20a%20kit.pdf

Preparing for a disaster.Preparing for a disaster.

• Evaluate the surrounding environment.

• Know evacuation routes and meet up locations.

• Have emergency kits readily available.

• If ask to evacuate…evacuate.

American Red Cross. (2009) Earthquake Safety Checklist. http://www.redcross.org/www-files/Documents/pdf/Preparedness/checklists/Earthquake.pdfUSGS. (2009) Dynamic Earth. Retrieved January 21, 2010 from http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/dynamic/dynamic.pdf

What to do in a Earthquake?What to do in a Earthquake?If you are inside when the shaking

starts … Drop, Cover and Hold!

American Red Cross. (2009) Earthquake Safety Checklist. http://www.redcross.org/www-files/Documents/pdf/Preparedness/checklists/Earthquake.pdfUniversity of Washington. () UW Emergency Management: Drop Cover and Hold Poster. Retrieved February 1, 2010 from http://www.washington.edu/emergency/prepare/drop_cover_hold

Figure 10. Drop, Cover and Hold.

What to do in a Earthquake?What to do in a Earthquake?If you are outside when shaking starts…Find a clear, open spot

and drop to the ground.

If you are driving, if safety permits pullover, and stay in your vehicle!

American Red Cross. (2009) Earthquake Safety Checklist. http://www.redcross.org/www-files/Documents/pdf/Preparedness/checklists/Earthquake.pdfFEMA (2009) What to Do in an Earthquake. Retrieved February 3, 2010 from http://www.fema.gov/hazard/earthquake/eq_during.shtm

South California Earthquake Data Center. (1994) Northridge Earthquake. Retrieved February 3, 2010 from http://www.data.scec.org/chrono_index/northshow.html

Figure 11. Photographs of some damage caused by the 1994 Northridge earthquake.

What to do after an EarthquakeWhat to do after an Earthquake

American Red Cross. (2009) Earthquake Safety Checklist. http://www.redcross.org/www-files/Documents/pdf/Preparedness/checklists/Earthquake.pdf

After an earthquake, the disaster may continue. Expect and prepare for potential aftershocks, landslides or

even a tsunami.

1. Each time you feel an aftershock, respond and take appropriate actions.

2. If you are okay, help others, if not seek first aid.3. Cover exposed skin, to avoid injury if available. 4. Listen to a portable, battery-operated or hand-

crank radio for updated emergency information and further instructions.

5. Help people who require special assistance, such as infants, children and the elderly or disabled.


6. Assess for damage.7. Check for phone service, and make brief

calls to report life-threatening emergencies.

8. Extinguish small fires if able. 9. Clean up potential spilled hazards

immediately if you are able.10. Note and stay clear of hazards such as

fallen power lines, broken gas lines, or damaged areas.



11. Keep animals under your direct control.

12. Stay out of damaged buildings.

13. If you were away from home, return only when authorities say it is safe to do so.

14. Use extreme caution and examine walls, floors, doors, staircases and windows to check for damage.

15. Be careful when driving after an earthquake and anticipate traffic light outages”


ConclusionConclusion

Plate Tectonics occur worldwide in three distinct patterns. These collisions result in potential hazards ranging from earthquakes to tsunamis to volcanoes.

It is difficult to know when, but we know they will happen!

So it is best to be prepared!!!!

Additional InformationAdditional Information

• American Red Cross. (2009) Preparedness Fast Facts. http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.86f46a12f382290517a8f210b80f78a0/?vgnextoid=92d51a53f1c37110VgnVCM1000003481a10aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default

• Hill, R. (2004) Volcanoes of the Cascades. The Globe Pequot Press.

• NOAA. (2010). Earthquakes. http://www.noaawatch.gov/themes/quake.php

• NOAA (2010) Tsunami Website. http://www.tsunami.noaa.gov/• Pierce County. Mt Rainer Evacuation Plan.

http://www.co.pierce.wa.us/pc/Abtus/ourorg/dem/EMDiv/Mt%20Rainier%20VHRP.htm

• Ready America (2009) Get a Kit. http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/kit-print.html

• USGS. (2010) Hazards. http://www.usgs.gov/hazards/

ReferencesAlt, DD & Hyndman, DW. (1994) Roadside Geology of Washington.

Mountain Press Publishing Company. Missoula, Montana.American Red Cross. (2007) Build a kit. Retrieved January 23, 2010

from http://www.redcross.org/preparedness/educatorsmodule/EDU_Be_Disaster_Safe/6-8%20BDS%20LP%208%20build%20a%20kit.pdf


FEMA (2009) What to Do in an Earthquake. Retrieved February 3, 2010 from http://www.fema.gov/hazard/earthquake/eq_during.shtm

Katz, L. (2010) iPhone App Helps Man Survive Haiti Quake, CNet News. Retrieved February 09, 2010 from http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10438121-1.html

Lovgren, S. (2003) Did North America Quake Cause the 1700 Japan Tsunami? National Geographic. Retrieved January 22, 2010 from http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/12/1208_031208_tsunami.html

Montgomery, CW. (1997) Environmental Geology. McGraw Hill. 5th Ed. South California Earthquake Data Center. (1994) Northridge Earthquake.

Retrieved February 3, 2010 from http://www.data.scec.org/chrono_index/northshow.html

ReferencesUnited States Census Bureau. (2009) "Annual Estimates of the Population

of Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas: April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2008 (CBSA-EST2008-01)" (CSV). Population Division. Retrieved January 22, 2010 from http://www.census.gov/popest/metro/tables/2008/CBSA-EST2008-01.csv.

United State Geological Survey (USGS). (2009) Columbia River Basalt. Retrieved January 20, 2010 from http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Volcanoes/ColumbiaPlateau/description_columbia_plateau.html


USGS. (2008) Model of Papua New Guinea Tsunami. Retrieved January 24, 2010 from http://walrus.wr.usgs.gov/tsunami/PNGhome.html

USGS. (2003) Ring of Fire. Retrieved January 20, 2010 from http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Glossary/PlateTectonics/description_plate_tectonics.html

USGS. (2005) Seismic Waves. Retrieved January 24, 2010 from http://earthquake.usgs.gov/learn/topics/?topicID=63

References

University of Washington. () UW Emergency Management: Drop Cover and Hold Poster. Retrieved February 1, 2010 from http://www.washington.edu/emergency/prepare/drop_cover_hold

West, K. (2009) Layers of the Earth. Franklin Institute. InfoBase Publishing New York NY.

Natural Disaster Preparedness in the Pacific Northwest (PNW): Plate Tectonics and Their Hazards

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