What would a 8+ earthquake do to the area?

[zugor]

Originally Posted by crystalblue

You see things on shows like It Could Happen Tomorrow, but they usually focus on skyscrapers and bridges.

What would be the effects on the more human level? Would most houses still be standing? Would utilities (electric,water,phone) still be working?

Say the quake hit at the worst possible location.

Here are links to two long articles about a major quake in the East Bay (SF area of CA) and the kind of damage that would likely result:

very sobering.

It's Not Our Fault | Feature | Oakland, Berkeley & Bay Area News & Arts Coverage

and:

It's Everybody's Fault | Feature | Oakland, Berkeley & Bay Area News & Arts Coverage

[Vinylly]

Originally Posted by tsmw47

What kind of earthquake damage would there be for the places like Port Townsend or Bainbridge Island? I saw that Tsunami level in Port Townsend would be about 10 feet.

I'm not sure there would be a tsunami in either Pt. Townsend or any of the Islands. Does'nt a tsunami need open space to build up? The Sound is too broken up to allow a tsunami to develop.

[pw72]

I think Japan has taught us that anything can happen, and probably will. Yes, a big subduction quake off the WA coast would be moderated by the time it reaches Seattle, but the ocean may not. The geography is somewhat different in W. WA, but previous models of what kind of water damage may occur are probably being re-evaluated after Japan. And rightly so.

[Gentoo]

Originally Posted by movingwiththewind

Right. As if Seattle is used to handle an 8 or 9 quake on the everyday basis.

LOL just what area IS used to handling an earthquake that large on a DAILY basis?

[Gentoo]

Originally Posted by zugor

Here are links to two long articles about a major quake in the East Bay (SF area of CA) and the kind of damage that would likely result:

very sobering.

It's Not Our Fault | Feature | Oakland, Berkeley & Bay Area News & Arts Coverage

and:

It's Everybody's Fault | Feature | Oakland, Berkeley & Bay Area News & Arts Coverage

Interesting articles. One thing is, there aren't that many tall buildings in the east bay. The ones that are there are mostly in Oakland but a lot of those are brick buildings. Berkeley has two tallish buildings. One is brick. I'm not sure how that one is still standing actually. They are just two blocks or so from the Hayward Fault. The Hayward Fault has been referred to as America's most dangerous fault.

Seattle by contrast seems more modern overall when it comes to it's buildings. A notable exception of course would be Pioneer Square. Whether an area is earthquake ready I guess is relative. Both the East Bay and Seattle seem at about the same level which doesn't seem like much. That is until you get to places like San Diego which thinks it will likely escape having a big one effect it. At least the residents think that. The city is somewhat better prepared. The residents though will make a difference. Seattle residents like East Bay residents seem aware that a large quake is a risk. At least that's the impression I get. Seattle's biggest problem is that damn viaduct. San Francisco tore theirs down 3 years after the quake. Seattle needs to get the ball rolling on that. Oakland dragged it's feet knowing they needed to get rid of it but we know what happened there.

[movingwiththewind]

Originally Posted by Gentoo

LOL just what area IS used to handling an earthquake that large on a DAILY basis?

This is exactly what I was saying.

Now, re-read your statement and see if it makes much sense.

Originally Posted by Gentoo

I think Seattle is better able to handle an earthquake than it is snow. In mild climates like Seattle, snow is just not something that can be dealt with in reasonable amounts.

What makes Seattle better able to handle an 8 or 9 quake than it is snow?

[prairiestate]

Originally Posted by Gentoo

LOL just what area IS used to handling an earthquake that large on a DAILY basis?

Omaha and Krakow come to mind.

[Gentoo]

Originally Posted by movingwiththewind

What makes Seattle better able to handle an 8 or 9 quake than it is snow?

After re reading that and re thinking it, yeah, you're probably right.

[Gentoo]

Originally Posted by prairiestate

Omaha and Krakow come to mind.

They have to worry about daily great earthquakes?