OSU researchers study tsunamis using Seaside seashore model

OSU researchers study tsunamis using Seaside seashore model

Researchers work on building a scale model of the Oregon coastal town of Seaside, which they will then put in a large wave tank to measure the effects of a tsunami.

Tools

Story Published: Jun 13, 2007 at 1:09 PM PST

Story Updated: Jun 13, 2007 at 1:14 PM PST

By KATU Web Staff

Video
CORVALLIS, Ore. - Scientists and engineers at Oregon State University are trying to find faster evacuation routes in the event of a major West Coast tsunami.

So they are building a scale model of the Oregon coastal town of Seaside.
    
Once the town is recreated, they'll place it in the basin of their wave lab.

With short notice, the researchers say evacuating everyone inland takes too long, especially for the elderly and disabled.

There is ongoing research that indicates many people may be saved by "vertical evacuation," or fleeing to the upper floors of hotels or parking structures, as many did during the Indian Ocean tsunami that killed hundreds of thousands in 2005.
    
They believe their data could someday save lives along the Oregon and Washington coastlines, which are near an active tectonic zone that is expected to deliver a strong quake and tsunami in the future.

Weather & Traffic

Icon
Current Temp 56.0 °F
Mostly Cloudy
Video
More Weather
New:

Upload directly from your mobile device.

Learn how

Stay Connected

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Viewer Poll

Who's going to the Rose Bowl?
Read more about it here

  • Beavers
  • Ducks