A large earthquake beneath the city could devastate it, kill many people, and disrupt global financial communications. New research shows that Seattle, Portland, and St. Louis are at risk from very large but infrequent earthquakes. These cities are not prepared for such a devastating event. Some volcanic eruptions are violent. The U S. is better prepared than some countries, but not as well as Japan.
Major concerns are in the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, New Mexico, and California.
This research allows more effective dam design and more realistic flood risk estimates. Understanding landslides, mudflows, erosion, and land subsidence helps planning to minimize cropland erosion and property damage, maximize sustainable logging, and preserve stream quality and fish stocks. Growing population in and regions, especially in the U.S. Southwest, will depend on this new knowledge to satisfy its demand for water. Geologic research shows that Earth's climate can change greatly over short time periods. If society is prepared, it can respond successfully.