Cascadia Subduction Zone Earthquake Basing and Supply Delivery Strategy based on Current Planning and Historical Event Analysis
Abstract
If the historical occurrence of earthquakes are any indication of predictable date range and magnitude, then the Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ) presents us with a catastrophe of proportions never before seen in the United States. While nestled in the ring of fire, the Juan de Fuca subduction plate is unique in that is spans two countries, three states, lies along a coast (promotes tsunamis), rests along an entire mountain range formed by thousands of small volcanoes, and is expected to produce one of the largest earthquakes in US history thanks to its subduction properties. To compound the problem, we didn't know this was an active fault until 25 years ago which has resulted in much of the infrastructure in the quake zones not having been built to withstand such a large magnitude earthquake. Shuttling supplies to quake victims after a CSZ earthquake presents significant challenges in coordination between all three state governments to include the multitude of local and federal agencies which in itself is unprecedented for a humanitarian response within the United States.Communication between all support entities will be our largest challenge which is why we need leverage new technologies. In addition, a tsunami will make the delivery of supplies and communication among first responders that much more challenging along the coastal region. More importantly, we need to make clear what our capabilities are for the airlift of those lifesaving supplies and how we can most efficiently execute a plan to use them when the time comes. While current planning efforts within NORTHCOM and FEMA is extensive, additional research based on historical evidence can be exceedingly useful. This paper ties that historical perspective into those planning efforts in order to better understand what were up against with a Cascadia Subduction Zone event.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 15, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1055437
Entities
People
- Michael E Ridley
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology