A public forum, “Evening Discussion of Local Earthquake and Tsunami Hazards,” will be held on Wednesday, March 12 from 5:30-7 p.m. in the Goodwin Forum (NHE 102) at Cal Poly Humboldt. The hybrid event will be hosted in person and broadcast live via Zoom for remote participants. A recording will also be available for those who register.
The presentation and discussion features a panel of specialists from Cal Poly Humboldt, the National Weather Service, the Redwood Coast Tsunami Work Group, and the California Geological Survey. Topics include why earthquakes occur so frequently in our region, the effectiveness of earthquake and tsunami warning systems, and lessons learned from the Dec. 5 event to better prepare for future seismic events.
“This event is an opportunity for our community to better understand the seismic risks we face and how we can respond more effectively,” says Melanie Michalak, chair of the Department of Geology.
Public engagement in the discussion is important, explains Michalak. Citing fear, confusion, and gridlocked traffic following the Dec. 5 tsunami warning, the goal of the forum is to explain how these systems work to alert residents; inform and empower community members; and improve future responses.
“We cannot predict earthquakes but we can control our responses,” she says. “Gathering and learning together empowers us as a community to build resilience and be more prepared.”
Panelists and presenters include:
- Amanda Admire (Geology, Cal Poly Humboldt)
- Ryan Aylward (NOAA, National Weather Service)
- Cris Koczera (Associate Vice President of Campus Resilience and Response, Cal Poly Humboldt)
- Lori Dengler (Professor Emeritus, Geology, Cal Poly Humboldt)
- Jennifer Marlow (Environmental Science & Management, Cal Poly Humboldt)
- Melanie Michalak (Geology, Cal Poly Humboldt)
- Jason Patton (California Geological Survey)
- Laurie Richmond (Environmental Science & Management, Cal Poly Humboldt, California Sea Grant)
The forum is free and open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend. All ages are welcome, minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Register here: https://tinyurl.com/mrkra5z4
For more information please visit https://rctwg.humboldt.edu/ for tsunami hazard maps, preparation pamphlets, and how to sign up for emergency alerts.
The event is sponsored by the Cal Poly Humboldt Geology and Environmental Science & Management departments, California Sea Grant, the Redwood Coast Tsunami Work Group, and the Cascadia Coastlines and Peoples Hazards Research Hub.