LO Reads: Earthquakes in the Pacific Northwest: Are You Ready for the Big One?

Earthquakes are not really common in the Pacific Northwest, but when they happen, they can be very large and very destructive. Dr. Burns will talk about how the geology of the Pacific Northwest is exciting and also sometimes dangerous to humans. One of those dangers are the subduction earthquakes which can be very destructive. How do we prepare for them?

Scott Burns is a professor emeritus of engineering geology and past-chair of the Department of Geology at Portland State University (PSU). Over more than 50 years of teaching, Scott has received teaching awards from numerous universities. He specializes in environmental and engineering geology, geomorphology, soils, and quaternary geology, and is a frequent speaker on landslides, earthquakes, floods, volcanoes, radon, and tsunamis, the National Parks, and the relationship between soils, climate, grapes, and wine. Scott is a sixth-generation Oregonian who grew up in Beaverton and actively helps local TV, radio stations, and newspapers bring important geological news to the public.