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Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin

(107,111 posts)
Sun Jan 2, 2022, 01:36 PM Jan 2022

After Oso disaster, landslide prediction remains vexing, necessary

In a single minute, the deadliest landslide in the nation’s history killed 43 people in Snohomish County.

The 2014 disaster near Oso inspired action by Congress and the state Legislature. It led to changes in the county hazard map, tougher logging regulations and improved disaster response.

But landslide prediction remains vexing. And climate change is magnifying the need for both research and public awareness of slide danger.

Scientists have not established a cause-and-effect between changing climate and landslides, in large part because there is little historic record of slides. But the most frequent cause of landslides worldwide is rainfall, and there is a strong link between a warming planet and episodes of intense rain.

NASA is studying that connection. It has created a worldwide database and map and invited the public to report slides. Since 2015, the Washington Geological Survey has maintained a Google map of recently reported landslides for the state. And staffers scour news and government agency reports, even social media, for information.

https://www.heraldnet.com/news/after-oso-disaster-landslide-prediction-remains-vexing-necessary/

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