Oregon Coast Scientists Study Past Earthquakes to Prepare for Future Tsunami Threats
Scientists along the Oregon Coast are investigating the seismic risks posed by the Cascadia Subduction Zone, focusing on past earthquakes and tsunamis to better prepare communities for future disasters. Recent sediment core studies aim to uncover evidence of the significant 1700 earthquake, enhancing understanding of geological hazards and informing emergency preparedness in the Pacific Northwest.
Climate Change Impact on Pacific Northwest Oceanic Environment
A recent report from Oregon State University highlights the concerning trend of decreasing oxygen levels in the waters off Washington, Oregon, and Northern California, impacting marine life. Jack Barth, a professor of oceanography at OSU, discusses regional variations in oxygen levels along the coast, attributing differences to oceanographic processes. Climate change plays a significant role in driving these low oxygen conditions, with implications for bottom-dwelling species like rockfish. Continued monitoring and research are necessary to address the consequences of declining oxygen levels in the Pacific Northwest ocean.