Re: Topography Along the Enriquillo-Plaintain Garden Fault, Haiti
Posted by
LawKat on 1/14/2010, 1:47 pm
The only things I disagree with are that major earthquakes are on the rise, as the data shows that earthquakes are nearly a consistent average every year and decade, since seismic measurements started. I think more people living along fault lines and constant news coverage worldwide, probably makes us think they are increasing.
A 7.0 in Haiti in the year 1500 would have gove virtually unnoticed, save the few natives and possible explorer settlements.
A 7.0 in Haiti in the year 1800 still would be unremarkable as the population was less than 20,000, at the time, in Port Au Prince.
But a 7.0 now with 3 million near the epicenter is wildly destructive.
The only other disagreement is this notion that scientists predicted and warned of an impending earthquake here. To some degree, I guess they are right. They said the area had not seen a large one within the average time period, and therefore, it was overdue. Overdue does not mean due.
I haven't seen a hurricane near Mobile in 4 years now, and Jim and the averages say we are overdue. I don't take that to mean one is predicted.
Everyone knows the risk where they live, or at least they should.
Live near a volcano? You may see lava rolling down your street one day.
Live on the coast in the tropics and sub-tropics? You may see your neighbor's house rolling down your street one day.
Live on a fault line? You may be rolling down the street one day.
I don't say that to be funny, but to say that the inherent risks are there, but that doesn't make it imminent.
Lastly, I will make every effort I can to assist those in Haiti. Why? Ivan and Katrina was as lonely as I have ever felt. They are our neighbors. I haven't known death due to a hurricane, but I hope I can at least understand the isolation they are feeling when all seems lost.
I hope everyone will do the same. |
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