Supercomputer Unleashes Virtual 9.0 Megaquake in Pacific Northwest

Scientists used a supercomputer-driven “virtual earthquake” to explore likely ground shaking in a magnitude 9.0 megathrust earthquake in the Pacific Northwest. Peak ground velocities are displayed in yellow and red. The legend represents speed in meters per second (m/s) with red equaling 2.3 m/s. Although the largest ground motions occur offshore near the fault and decrease eastward, sedimentary basins lying beneath some cities amplify the shaking in Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, and Vancouver, increasing the risk of damage. Credit: Kim Olsen, SDSU