For the ShakeOut earthquake scenario, Western Region Geography contributed to and coordinated temporal and spatial lifeline service restoration; business interruption losses from lifeline disruption and structural damages; documentation of economic resilience; and disaster recovery including local community examples. more...

The risk of a future natural disaster is a function not only of the hazards but also of the vulnerability of individuals and communities that occupy hazard-prone areas. This project focuses on developing new methods for assessing and communicating community vulnerability to natural hazards. Research includes community vulnerability to tsunamis (Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii), volcanoes (Mount Rainier), hurricane storm surge (Florida) and climate-change-enhanced coastal hazards (Oregon and Washington coast). more...

Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry (InSAR) is often used to measure very small changes in elevation (2-3 mm) over very large areas of the Earth's surface. If anomalous areas of uplift and subsidence within active fault zones predate great (MW7.0 and greater) earthquakes, then InSAR may provide a new method to predict great earthquakes. more...

The Transboundary Project is a cooperative effort between Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and the US Geological Survey to provide a scientific basis for natural hazards management and mitigation along the Pacific coast boundary between the United States and Canada. Squamish is a coastal community about one hour north of Vancouver, in a zone of mountainous topography, and frequent rainfall. This project uses data compiled by Natural Resources Canada to estimate flood hazard in Squamish. more...