Suggested Teaching Options for Cascadia Suites

Options for using the Cascadia Great Earthquake and Tsunami Suite of Case Studies

Each case study is designed to be self-contained and stand alone. All five case studies also can be used as a complete package in the sequence outlined in the navigation bar. Each case study can be completed in one lab period or a mix of homework time and a lab period, depending on how and when it is used in a course. Other suggested possibilities for use are these:

I and II could be paired. The case study of deformation accompanying the 2004 Sumatran earthquake sets up a model for understanding present-day deformation along the Cascadian margin.

I and III could be paired. The case study of deformation accompanying the 2004 Sumatran earthquake sets up a model for understanding geologic evidence for past deformation along the Cascadian margin associated with great earthquakes and tsunamis.

I through III make a logical sequence for understanding present and future Cascadia hazards. In this sequence the Sumatran unit is a model for understanding both present-day deformations along the Cascadian margin and geologic evidence for past deformations related to great earthquakes and accompanying tsunami. The two cases focused on Cascadia tie closely to the Sumatra model but go further by revealing that great earthquakes have been occurring every 300-500 years for at least 10,000 years.

I and IV could be paired. Here knowledge of the impact of the 2004 Sumatran earthquake on coastal communities sets up an analysis of possible impact on a Cascadian coastal community of a future great earthquake and tsunami.

II through IV provide a complete investigation of a great Cascadian earthquake, starting with the geophysical and geological evidence and followed with the impact.

V could be paired with our Northridge: Case Study of an Urban Earthquake module as they both explore rupture on thrust faults within a major city.

IV and V could be paired in order to compare and contrast earthquake and tsunami hazard associated with two very different tectonic and cultural settings.