First study of potential for tsunamis in California

摘要

Using studies that span the last three decades, scientists at UC Santa Barbara have compiled the first evidence-based comprehensive study of the potential for tsunamis in North-western California. The region has long been known to experience large earthquakes, and scientific studies of seismic activity in the southern end of the Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ), which stretches northward from the area of Men-docino, California, have been published. However, comprehensive, reviewed evidence-based work has been so far been considered lacking by some scientists. The scientists studied sedimentation patterns in salt marshes, flood-plains, and estuaries in the north western corner of California for signs of seismic events that could lead to tsunami activity. They combined this with information gathered from numerous studies conducted over nearly 30 years by researchers at Humboldt State University.