A new study highlights the potential fallout of a major earthquake along the Cascadia subduction zone off the coasts of California, Oregon, and Washington. The research indicates that subsidence could exceed 6 feet, drastically expanding flooding risk by 116 square miles, significantly impacting coastal communities and their infrastructure. Unlike gradual climate change impacts, the effects of this seismic event could occur almost immediately, leaving little time for preparedness. Past megaquakes have caused similar land degradation, raising concerns about the region's vulnerability to future quakes and flooding.
The earthquake would drastically alter shorelines, causing profound, lasting impacts to coastal populations, infrastructure, and ecosystems. Unlike gradual sea-level rise, this would happen within minutes.
In an earthquake with maximum subsidence, flooding risk would expand by 116 square miles, jeopardizing residents, roads, and structures, impacting infrastructure permanently.
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