Predicting effects of the next earthquake: Open Mic Science, June 5 at Treehouse (WU-434)

How worried should we be about the next earthquake? And how do we prepare for “the big one”?

That is the topic of this podcast and the next Open Mic Science event on June 5th at 8pm at The Treehouse Cafe.

 Open Mic's Michael Cox, a recently retired climate change advisor of the Environmental Protection Agency, and Dr. Erin Wirth, a research geophysicist with the US Geological Survey and also an Affiliate Assistant Professor at the University of Washington, talk about what researchers are learning about Cascadia’s next earthquake and why this topic is so important.

The last great Cascadia earthquake occurred in January 1700, before seismic instruments were around to record the event. Today, researchers like Dr. Wirth are using the results of computer simulations that demonstrate 50 different ways a magnitude 9 earthquake could unfold. These simulations evaluate the effects on buildings and the potential for liquefaction and landslides in an attempt to improve our understanding of how the Pacific Northwest should prepare for such an event.

In this podcast, we also learn about Open Mic Science, a Bainbridge Science Café based on the principles of Cafe Scientifique and committed to the public understanding of science. On the first Tuesday of every month at 8pm at the Treehouse, the public is invited to explore ideas in all aspects of science and technology in an informal, social setting. Enjoy pizza and beer, and stay abreast of current knowledge. All talks are free.

For more information on Open Mic Science, please visit: https://openmicscience.weebly.com/.

For information on emergency preparedness, please visit: Bainbridge Prepares at https://bainbridgeprepares.org/.

Credits: BCB host: Christina Hulet; audio editor: Chris Walker; publisher: Diane Walker.