THE CASCADIA SUBDUCTION ZONE: TSUNAMI MITIGATION IN GRAYS HARBOR, WASHINGTON

Research and historical records indicate that the Pacific Northwest was struck by a magnitude 9.0+ earthquake, January 26, 1700. This earthquake has been attributed to the Cascadia Subduction Zone. Evidence for the 1700 event has come from around the Pacific Basin including Japan, China, and Australia. This, coupled with the recent super tsunamis in Indonesia and Japan, has aroused concern in the Pacific Northwest over the possibility of a recurrence of the 1700 event. Research also indicates that the Cascadia Subduction Zone is within the recurrence interval for this type of event. Along with increased awareness in the scientific community, the wider public arena has begun to pay attention to this hazard. Most recently a New Yorker magazine article documented this possibility. The focus of this work surrounds the coastal area of Grays Harbor, Washington and using data from the similar historic events to establish and implement mitigation protocols. These include public education and preparation for future Cascadia Subduction Zone super tsunamis.