Research indicates that a significant earthquake along the Cascadia Subduction Zone, combined with rising sea levels, could cause coastal land to sink dramatically. An estimated magnitude of 8.0 or higher may result in up to 6.5 feet of subsidence, particularly affecting densely populated areas in southern Washington, northern Oregon, and northern California. This would substantially expand the coastal floodplain, compromising thousands of structures and roadways. Historical data suggests the region is overdue for such an event, further exacerbated by climate change-related sea level rise, leading to uninhabitable conditions in some communities.
Today, and more so in 2100 as background sea levels rise, the immediate effect of earthquake-driven subsidence will be a delay in response and recovery from the earthquake due to compromised asset.
This suggests the 'sleeping giant' is poised for another big one soon, given that the Cascadia Subduction Zone has historically produced earthquakes of this magnitude every 400 to 600 years.
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