Today marks the 323rd anniversary of the devastating Cascadia earthquake that struck the Oregon coast in 1700. With an estimated magnitude of 8.7 to 9.2, this megaquake caused severe shaking and land to drop by a staggering 6 feet. Just 15-25 minutes later, a massive tsunami hit the shoreline, causing even more destruction.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] - The Earth's lithosphere, which is made up of rigid plates, often forms visible boundaries on the planet's surface known as faults when they brush against each other. These boundaries, such as the San Andreas Fault in California or the Denali Fault in Alaska, are capable of producing powerful seismic activity. A new research led by Brown University seismologists is providing insight into how these faults form and behave as they deepen. The scientists used cutting-edge data from a network of seismic stations to create a new 3D model of seismic wave velocities throughout Alaska, and found that changes in the thickness and internal strength of the tectonic plate that Alaska sits on play a key role in the location of Alaska's Denali Fault.

SEATTLE – The Green Lake Branch of the Seattle Public Library will be closed for an extensive period, beginning February 1st, as it undergoes a seismic retrofit. The city's Department of Construction has identified the Green Lake Branch, as one of the three historic Carnegie buildings, as being at high risk for damage and potential loss of life in the event of a major earthquake. In addition to the structural upgrade, the library will also receive new HVAC systems, accessibility improvements and interior modernization. The project is funded by the 2019 Library Levy and is expected to cost more than $7.5 million. The Green Lake Branch opened in 1910 and has not undergone any renovations since 1999. The library's Communications Strategist, Bennett Barr, stated that these improvements will help the branch provide ongoing services to those in need, both in terms of shelter and traditional library services.

AS WE PREPARE OUR HOMES FOR WIND AND RAIN, IT'S ALSO A GREAT TIME TO WORK ON EARTHQUAKE RETROFITTING.

We know you're excited about your earthquake retrofit. You've been thinking about it for a long time and you're finally taking the plunge! We want to make sure that your excitement doesn't end in disappointment, so we're giving you a few tips on what not to do when it comes to earthquake retrofitting.