Geology is a science. It is deemed by geologists to be an IMMINENT reality that a vast earthquake will devastate the west coast of the USA. In view of this fact (based on decades of observation) what provision is in place, or is planned, by the United States Government at Federal level (in co-operation with the states likely to be affected) to reduce the loss of life ?
To say the least, these questions cannot forever be ducked and avoided by either geologists or politicians.
2006-08-31 03:07:40 · 24 answers · asked by democracynow 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
You know, if you live on the West Coast, and you know that something bad might be coming, and you are concerned... MOVE!! Just like the people in New Orleans. They knew it was coming, and yet, they stayed. It was not the governments fault they got hurt or killed, and it wasn't their fault they weren't there that very day. If the government decided that California was too dangerous to live in and told everyone to leave, people would be throwing fits, and saying that the government wants them out because they are Hispanic/Black, whatever. There is nothing they can do. You live in an area that poses a threat, and yet you choose to live there. It's that simple.
2006-08-31 03:16:11 · answer #1 · answered by shorty_7123 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
So I would be responsible for the deaths in the US? Oh hell no! Even back in 1906 there was a massive earthquake in San Francisco, did that stop people living in the area knowing even then that there was a massive potential for further earthquakes down the line? That area has time and time again been told of the risk and if they choose not to take the information on-board then it is only their fault. Can you still get earthquake insurace in California? Last time I checked you couldnt, so even the insurace companies know that the 'big one' will at some point happen.
Imminent to a geologist does not follow the same frame of time as it does to someone like you, imminent can mean many years.
Anyway whats you problem with geology?
2006-08-31 16:01:37 · answer #2 · answered by A_Geologist 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a geologist, have been for 35 years.
To put it in simple matters YOU can understand. The Pacific plate is moving north, the North American plate is moving west. They meet in massive fault zones like Hayward and San Andres. Pressure continues to build. Has been building for millions of years. You do the physics.......
Will there be a massive earthquake? Single, possible - deviating smaller earthquakes, more likely.
When? When the pressure overcomes confining friction.
Time line - same answer. We have to use statistics and probabilities to predict any sort of time line. Still not reliable enough for that.
Will a massive earthquake devastate areas of southern California? Absolutely.
The New Madrid fault in Missouri scares me more.
How can you prepare? The best you can, like one would prepare for a hurricane. Adherence to strict building codes may reduce infrastructure damage, but not stop it.
Unlike other natural disasters, you can't react until after the fact.
If I, as a geologist could predict the next earthquake, I would be rich as I could just as easily have picked the Powerball numbers.
The geology of southern California is incredibly complex. It is simply impossible to explain the seismology of the area in terms you would understand.
We try to warn, but the politicians and developers just write us off. Money and greed trump basic good science.
2006-08-31 17:51:42 · answer #3 · answered by Tom-PG 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is NOT an imminent reality that a large earthquake will devastate the ENTIRE West Coast. Only certain regions of the West Coast, the majority of which are in California, are at risk, that is, specific regions that have active fault lines, like the SF Bay Area.
2006-08-31 13:14:37 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
What an idiotic suggestion. It's not like the geologists CAUSE earthquakes, any more than the TV weather guy actually CAUSES it to rain on a parade. Geologists are doing their best to predict earthquakes, and they've made great strides, but it's far from perfect.
Why not sue the people who are stupid enough to live in fault-ridden California? It's not like they are unaware of the danger, and have been warned for years, but they stayed anyway.
Or better yet, why don't we make YOU responsible? Clearly you're an eediot.
2006-08-31 10:12:21 · answer #5 · answered by poorcocoboiboi 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Why do people always want to blame the federal government or the people resbonsible for studying the events?
Everyone is the victim that should take responsibility for things themselves. I live in San Francisco (not by choice, the Army sent me here 11 1/2 years ago-and left me here). I know that if THE earthquake hits, I may die or lose everything. Yet, I continue to stay here. It will be my fault if anything happens to me.
Just like Hurrican Katrina...everyone had days notice it was coming, LEAVE. I could have walked away, far enough to have survivied, and there were buses to evacuate...people CHOSE to stay. They also CHOSE to live in a place that was built below sea level and are surrounded by water. Kinda tells you something.
2006-08-31 10:12:48 · answer #6 · answered by Mark W 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Not even if all the geologist in the world jumped up and down on one part of the west coast of usa they still would not be to blame (but its worth a try) only joking my cute american cousins
2006-08-31 10:16:23 · answer #7 · answered by barmyowlscoo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The fact is that neither geologists or politicians can do anything to stop people from living in places that are prone to natural disasters. Nor can they force people to take costly precautionary measures. Furthermore, if the government provided for all potential catostrophic events, the cost to its citizens in the form of higher taxes would be overwhelming and the citizens would vote them out of office.
2006-08-31 11:19:55 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The US Govt was aware of the potential for New Orleans and did nothing to prepare for a crisis.
Geologists have done their job....its up to Georgie (or whoever our commander is) to ensure that our fine Homeland Security Agency, the State of California and surrounding states, and multiple other agencies put together a plan for evacuation and assistance.
Do you really think you are going to see this type of cooperation and preparation in our lifetime?
2006-08-31 10:15:30 · answer #9 · answered by Annie R 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it is like asking if judges can be held responsible for laws that have been enacted. Also, geologists have been telling politicians, engineers, etc for a long time and their advice usually falls on deaf ears, resulting in nuclear power plants being built on major fault zones, for instance. If you want to blame geologists for the stupidy of others, that is your right. However, it is still stupidy not to listen to experts and then blame them for the fact that you did not listen to experts..
2006-08-31 14:52:12 · answer #10 · answered by Amphibolite 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋