Unit VII Essay
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Columbia Southern University *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
6305
Subject
Geography
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
Pages
6
Uploaded by SargentSeal6780
1
Oregon Earthquakes
Alisha Dufrene
Columbia Southern University
EMG 6301-20.01.01-1A24-S1, Emergency Management
Dr. William Rogerson
9/19/2023
2
Introduction
Natural disasters can strike at any time, causing widespread destruction and affecting the
lives of countless individuals. Specifically within the Pacific Northwest, most notably in the state
of Oregon, seismic events like earthquakes loom as a formidable threat, primarily because of the
area's close proximity to the volatile Cascadia Subduction Zone.
This essay aims to explore the conceivable repercussions of earthquakes on the
communities of Oregon, taking into account demographic
factors, geographical attributes, and recovery approaches.
By grasping the distinctive difficulties presented by
earthquakes in Oregon, we can enhance our readiness and
reduce the destructive consequences they may bring
about.
Oregon Background
Oregon, situated in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, is known for its diverse
geography, stunning landscapes, and vibrant communities. According to the U.S. Census
Bureau's data from 2020, Oregon had an estimated
population of approximately 4.2 million people
[CITATION Ame21 \l 1033 ]. The state exhibits a
rich demographic composition, encompassing a
blend of urban and rural regions, with its major cities
including Portland, Eugene, and Salem.
[ CITATION Nat23 \l 1033 ]
3
In terms of its geography, Oregon is distinguished by its close proximity to the Pacific
Ocean, its rugged mountainous landscape, and the existence of the Cascadia Subduction Zone, a
geological fault that extends along the Pacific coast offshore. The Cascadia Subduction
Zone plays a pivotal role in assessing the possible consequences of earthquakes in the state.
Earthquake Impact
Earthquakes are a significant threat to Oregon due to its location near the Cascadia
Subduction Zone. This geological feature has the potential to generate massive earthquakes,
which can reach magnitudes of 8 or 9 [ CITATION Nat23 \l 1033 ]. These earthquakes can result
in severe ground shaking of four to six minutes [ CITATION Nat23 \l 1033 ], tsunamis, and
widespread damage, making preparedness and mitigation crucial for Oregon's communities.
The impact of a major earthquake in Oregon would be substantial, affecting both urban
and rural areas. In densely populated cities such as Portland, infrastructure damage could result
in disrupted transportation systems, power failures, and structural collapses. One noteworthy loss
would be the historic 95-year-old Burnside Bridge. The Burnside Bridge’s piers are made of
douglas fir tree trunks and are not rated to withstand a major earthquake [ CITATION Kri21 \l
1033 ]. Many of Portland’s core infrastructures are aging and were not built with earthquake
readiness in mind. Conversely, in rural areas where communities may be more remote, access to
vital services could be jeopardized, and communication networks might falter.
Furthermore, the Cascadia Subduction Zone presents a notable tsunami hazard to the
Oregon coastline. An earthquake occurring along this fault has the potential to initiate a tsunami,
submerging coastal communities and resulting in further harm and loss of lives.
Recovery
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
4
Recovery from a major earthquake event in Oregon requires a multifaceted approach,
including preplanning, disaster declarations, grants, and recovery programs.
1.
Preplanning: Comprehensive earthquake recovery programs should FEMA’s HAZUS and
similar risk assessment software[ CITATION Cla20 \l 1033 ]. HAZUS aids recovery
through precise loss assessments, informed resource allocation, and long-term mitigation
planning. It also engages communities by visually representing disaster impacts,
facilitating understanding and decision-making.
2.
Disaster Declarations: Once an earthquake occurs, the Governor of Oregon would
typically request a federal disaster declaration from the President. This declaration would
unlock funding and resources from FEMA to support immediate response and recovery
efforts. These funds can be used for search and rescue operations, debris removal, and
temporary housing for displaced residents.
3.
Grants: Grants assume a pivotal role in the sustained recovery and reconstruction
endeavors. In partnership with state and local administrations, the federal government can
allocate grants to facilitate the restoration and renovation of essential infrastructure,
encompassing roads, bridges, and public edifices.
4.
Recovery Programs: Thorough recovery initiatives are indispensable for the revitalization
of earthquake-affected communities. These initiatives should encompass strategies to
bolster earthquake resilience, such as the revision of building codes and the
reinforcement of susceptible structures. Additionally, it is imperative to provide access to
mental health and counseling services to address the emotional trauma endured by
survivors.
5
Apart from these tactics, community-based education and preparedness efforts play a
pivotal role. Promoting public awareness campaigns is essential to enlighten Oregon residents
about the potential earthquake hazards and encourage them to proactively ready themselves for
such occurrences. This entails assembling emergency kits, developing family communication
plans, and reinforcing homes to endure seismic activity. It's vital to emphasize that disaster
education should not be confined to isolated events, such as evacuation drills; rather, it should be
an ongoing process[ CITATION Sha11 \l 1033 ].
Conclusion
Earthquakes in Oregon, particularly those originating from the Cascadia Subduction
Zone, pose a significant threat to the state's diverse communities. The potential for widespread
destruction and disruption underscores the importance of effective disaster management
strategies. Preplanning, disaster declarations, grants, and recovery programs undoubtedly assume
vital roles in aiding Oregon's recuperation from earthquake occurrences. However, proactive
preparedness measures and community education hold equal significance. By dedicating
resources to mitigation and recovery endeavors, Oregon can more effectively safeguard its
residents and infrastructure against the catastrophic consequences of earthquakes.
6
References
America Counts Staff. (2021, August 25).
Oregon Population 4.2 Million in 2020, Up 10.6%
From 2010
. Retrieved from census.goc: https://www.census.gov/library/stories/state-by-
state/oregon-population-change-between-census-decade.html#:~:text=Oregon
%20Population%204.2%20Million%20in%202020%2C%20Up%2010.6%25%20From
%202010&text=Our%20state%20profiles%20bring%20you,your%20county%20on%
Foden-Vencil, K. (2021, December 14).
Inflation plagues effort to earthquake-proof Burnside
Bridge in Portland
. Retrieved from opb.org:
https://www.opb.org/article/2021/12/14/inflation-plagues-effort-to-earthquake-proof-
burnside-bridge-in-portland/
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (2023, June 12).
JetStream Max: Cascadia
Subduction Zone
. Retrieved from NOAA.gov:
https://www.noaa.gov/jetstream/tsunamis/tsunami-locations/jetstream-max-cascadia-
subduction-zone
Rubin, C. B. (2020).
Emergency Management: The American Experience, 3rd Edition.
New
York: Routledge.
Shaw, R., Shiwaku, K., & Takeuchi, Y. (2011).
Community, Environment and Disaster
Management Volume 7 Disaster Education.
Bingley: Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help