Geological Hazards That Affect The Portland Metro Area Essay

There are many geological hazards that could affect the Portland Metro area in the near future, but the three most devastating would be Earthquake, Volcano Eruption, and a landslide. There has been numerous rumor about the “big earthquake” that is long over due for the PNW. The earthquake is estimated to be a nine magnitude, which means it’s going to cause a lot of damage to Portland and could even make Portland disappear. An earthquake is generally formed when the underground suddenly breaks along a fault. This sudden release energy that causes the seismic waves that make the ground shake. When two blocks of rock or two plates are rubbing against each other, they stick a little. Great subduction zone earthquakes occur around the world where the tectonic plates that make up the surface of the earth collide. The Cascadia Subduction Zone is located between the Oregon and Washington coasts. Oregon has not experienced such dramatic impact since 1700’s when the big earthquake hit. It is always good to have resources for such disasters such as backup food, clothes, heating supply, sleeping bag, etc. No one will ever be ready, but prepared, of course. Volcanic activity is a little obviously since Oregon is practically surrounded by volcano’s, in which most are active. For example, Mt. Hood last major eruption occurred in the 1790 's and Mt. Hood is 500,000 years old.
The latest volcano that caused major destruction was Mt. St. Helen’s that erupted on May 18, 1980. The eruption…