Embargoed: Contents not for release until 12:01 a.m. the day of session. All times Pacific Standard Time. All sessions will be held at the Marriott Downtown Waterfront Hotel in Portland, Ore. Press may receive complimentary registration at the Ballroom Lobby.
The Seismological Society of America (SSA) is an international scientific society devoted to the advancement of seismology and its applications in understanding and mitigating earthquake hazards and in imaging the structure of the Earth.
For a searchable database of abstracts and additional meeting information visit: http://www.seismosoc.org/meetings/2010/program.php
Wednesday, April 21
Characterizing the Next Cascadia Earthquake and Tsunami
8:30 a.m. – Noon, Salon F
The Pacific Northwest is vulnerable to extreme ground shaking and tsunamis generated from great earthquakes along the Cascadia subduction zone, which stretches from Northern California to Vancouver Island. This session reports the latest research on the seismic potential of the area and explores the idea of temporal clustering of earthquakes in the prehistorical record.
Monitoring for Nuclear Explosions
8:30 a.m. – 3:45 p.m., Salon E
Seismology has new visibility with policymakers and the general public in the context of current evaluations of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). This robust session reports on developments in monitoring for compliance with nuclear treaties.
Evolution of Slow Slip and Tremor
2:15 – 5:45 p.m., Salon F
Not all natural deformation activity is sudden and violent, as in earthquakes. Episodic, slow, smooth movement of faults, accompanied by low-level seismic wave tremors, can now be detected with modern geodetic and seismic instruments. How these 'slow slip phenomena', which happen over days and weeks, are related to sudden, great earthquakes is the subject of much study and may lead to improved estimates of where and when the great earthquakes will occur.
Engaging Students and Teachers in Seismology – Case Studies
4:15 – 5:45 p.m., Salon E
This session reports on unique and successful programs that engage K-12 and college students to learn about seismology.
Special Town Hall Meeting: Portland, Oregon
6:45 – 9 p.m.
To what extent can recent earthquakes in Haiti and Chile inform us of what to expect in the Pacific Northwest? Both earthquakes offer stark lessons in the survivability of earthquakes when societies prepare for these inevitable events but avoidable disasters. Is the Pacific Northwest prepared for the large Cascadia earthquake that will likely happen within our lifetimes? Top scientists and policymakers will provide analysis on the vulnerability of Oregon's schools, bridges, buildings and lifeline infrastructure to damage from severe ground motion and tsunamis.