DGER Aids FEMA

On July 18, DGER Chief Hazards Geologist, Tim Walsh, led a field trip for FEMA officials and their international counterparts from Australia and New Zealand. While traversing Elliott Bay on the Seattle-Bainbridge Island ferry, he spoke on the subject of earthquake and tsunami threats to the Seattle area, recounting evidence of Seattle Fault activity and associated tsunami events located along the route. The Australian and Kiwi emergency managers reflected on their own personal experiences during the ensuing discussion on the impacts and mitigation of geological disasters, as similar dangers exist along the coasts of their home countries. The field trip took full advantage of a gorgeous summer day on Puget Sound (the kind that leaves visitors wondering if Washingtonians don’t greatly exaggerate about their relentlessly rainy weather), and the participants were very appreciative of the region’s great beauty.

Tim Walsh discusses Seattle-area geologic hazards with FEMA officials and emergency managers from Australia and New Zealand during a Seattle-Bainbridge Island ferry ride. Image courtesy of Meredith C. Payne, DNR.

This popular field trip, which Tim has led on a number of occasions, was specially requested by FEMA organizers, and DGER was happy to help out!

DGER Chief Hazards Geologist, Tim Walsh, spoke to an international group of emergency managers on the topic of the Seattle fault system and tsunamis during a July 18 field trip. Image courtesy of Meredith C. Payne, DNR.