Future Shocks

To help us understand earthquakes after the big one in Japan, Smithsonian has republished an article about how scientists study earthquakes of the past to predict and prepare for future quakes. Past disasters left clues behind, like dead cedar trees in Washington state.
In one of the more remarkable feats of modern geoscience, researchers have pinpointed the date, hour and size of the cataclysm that killed these cedars. In Japan, officials had recorded an “orphan” tsunami—unconnected with any felt earthquake— with waves up to ten feet high along 600 miles of the Honshu coast at midnight, January 27, 1700. Several years ago, Japanese researchers, by estimating the tsunami’s speed, path and other properties, concluded that it was triggered by a magnitude 9 earthquake that warped the seafloor off the Washington coast at 9 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on January 26, 1700. To confirm it, U.S. researchers found a few old trees of known age that had survived the earthquake and compared their tree rings with the rings of the ghost forest cedars. The trees had indeed died just before the growing season of 1700.

Although earthquakes still cannot be predicted accurately, the body of data is growing that may lead to better forecasts. Link

(Image credit: Brian Smale)

Comments (0)

Apparently there's some law where goth nerds aren't allowed to wear these and light-up versions as actual googles, only as forehead ornaments.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
According to the WSJ, many Wall Street executives are buying remote farms and tons of ammo. They expect economic collapse followed by social anarchy. So, indeed, these goggles may be useful for those of us who besiege the Toxic Capitalists.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
@felixthecat

Sigh. These executives are so short sighted... they should be investing in pigeons and learning how to make their own ammo. It's a more viable long term investment for after the fall.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
yeah, theyre basically goth fashion acessories, tend to be worn like a headband rather than actually on the eyes, girls wear them alot when they wear hairpieces to cover up the natural hair that may still be showing around their forehead.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Login to comment.
Email This Post to a Friend
"Future Shocks"

Separate multiple emails with a comma. Limit 5.

 

Success! Your email has been sent!

close window
X

This website uses cookies.

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using this website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

I agree
 
Learn More