A colossal earthquake along the Cascadia Subduction Zone is projected to occur by 2100, with a 37% chance in the next 50 years. Such an earthquake could trigger a 100-foot tsunami that would devastate the West Coast and result in approximately 5,800 deaths, with an additional 8,000 from the tsunami. Rising sea levels due to climate change will further amplify damage, with estimates predicting over 100,000 injuries and significant property destruction by 2100 if the earthquake is delayed. Immediate action and preparedness are critical for mitigating future risks.
If an earthquake between 8.0 and 9.0 in magnitude struck today, scientists warn that a 100-foot mega tsunami would wipe out most of the West Coast, as the coastline would drop by almost eight feet instantaneously.
The international team, led by researchers at Virginia Tech, added that these dire predictions will only get worse as more time passes because of rising sea levels.
Professor Tina Dura, the lead author of the study, said: 'This is going to be a very catastrophic event for the US, for sure. The tsunami is going to come in, and it's going to be devastating.'
By 2100, climate change is predicted to raise sea levels by as much as two feet. If the Cascadia Subduction Zone doesn't suffer another mega earthquake until then, it will likely amplify the devastation and flooding beyond the damage expected in 2025.
#cascadia-subduction-zone #tsunami-risks #earthquake-predictions #climate-change #disaster-preparedness
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