APPLYING GEOLOGIC MAPPING TO NATURAL-HAZARD PREPAREDNESS IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST

Extensive population growth and associated development in the Pacific Northwest intersects with a full spectrum of natural hazards. The range of hazards is significant not only by type, but by frequency, predictability, and potential impact. Floods and landslides are relatively common, with potential for severe extremes. Volcanic activity, earthquakes, and tsunamis combine infrequent occurrence, multiple possible event paths, and potentially catastrophic impact on a population that has little direct experience with them, and relatively scant recent history of disasters of any sort.

Maps convey substantial depth and breadth of information without having to rely on extensive text. Geologic mapping offers a combination of hazard characterization and visual representation to effectively communicate hazard nature and potential impact. Clear geospatial delineation assists in projecting potential threat to life, the built environment, and natural systems: this can be applied to hazard vulnerability analyses and policy decisions that could mitigate hazard impact. Geologic mapping can be applied post-impact as well, illuminating persistent hazards (e.g., lahars and secondary landslides) and informing public warning during emergency response, as well as supporting recovery and restoration. Mapping enhanced by high-resolution imaging (e.g., LiDAR) allows end-users to more clearly see structures and thus makes geoscientific information more available to public-safety personnel, policy-makers, and the general public.