A Plate Under Pressure

The Pacific Northwest of the United States is awaiting a major earthquake. The North American Plate is being compressed like a giant spring by the plate pushing underneath it. Just like last time in 1700, when it releases it’ll be a major earthquake and tsunami event. It’s unstoppable, but that doesn’t mean we can’t prepare.

This exhibit at the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, Oregon explains the tectonic principles, engages in a conversation about preparedness models and presents cutting-edge earthquake sensing methods being implemented throughout the world.

By tracking small movements of the earth’s plates through GPS technologies we are both improving our ability to understand earthquakes and communicate when they’re occurring to save life and property.

Produced for UNAVCO, a National Science Foundation research contractor providing GPS systems and data to earth scientists

Work included content development/research, exhibition design, interactive design and production, graphic design, illustration, construction administration and build contracting.