Author Sandi Doughton Discusses the Next Pacific Northwest Earthquake

“Full-Rip 9.0: The Next Big Earthquake in the Pacific Northwest”—the title alone promises a thrilling read.

Sandi Doughton, author and Seattle Times science reporter, will be at the Tumwater Timberland Library on Tuesday, September 10 from 6 to 7 p.m. to read from her book, which delves into the fascinating and often terrifying world of “The Big One.” Books will be available for purchase.

Doughton will also talk about the scientists who work to understand the way the earth moves, describe what patterns can be identified and how prepared (or not) people are in the region’s urban centers from Seattle to Portland.

Earthquake research in the Northwest only began in earnest in the 1980s. Since then scientists have identified the Pacific Northwest as the site of what will be the biggest earthquake in the continental United States. In one enthralling chapter in her book, Doughton relates a geologist’s discovery of evidence of a massive earthquake and tsunami in 1700, the result of one plate in the Cascadia subduction zone riding over another. The zone runs along the coast from Northern California to southern British Columbia. The research indicates the next big one is overdue.

In her 20 years covering the environment, science, health, and medicine, Doughton has won numerous journalism honors including The Blethen Award, a National Headliner award, Best of the West, The Jesse Laventhol Award and inclusion in the Best Newswriting series.

The Tumwater Timberland Library is at 7023 New Market Street, Tumwater, 98501. For more information, contact the library at (360) 943-7790 or visit www.TRL.org.