What caused the earthquake in the Northwest this week and could geologists predict it was coming?

-- Kimberly Corkran (corkran@oswego.edu), March 01, 2001

Answers

According to CNN.com reports, Geologists could not predict this recent earthquake. They do know, however, that earthquakes can occur every 30-40 years in the Pacific Northwest in the vicinity of the Cascadia Subduction Zone. Seismologists are very capable of charting earthquake-prone zones as well as the odds of one occuring, but can not predict exact times of activity. They do occur often enough that certain precautions are taken. These include new building codes and emergency procedures.

-- Ron Testa, Jr. (jtesta@oswego.edu), March 04, 2001.