Oregon State University

New research shows that a big earthquake can not only cause other quakes, but large ones, and on the opposite side of the Earth. Seismic data provided evidence that in the three days following one large quake, other earthquakes were more likely to occur. These findings are an important step toward improved short-term earthquake forecasting and risk assessment.

Scientists have been able to correlate the amount of global warming to cumulative carbon emissions from the burning of fossil fuels, but a new study shows that a link exists between cumulative carbon emissions and future sea level rise. Even under the most optimistic scenarios outlined in the Paris Agreement, sea levels will continue to rise by several meters.

A new study shows that while flooding rivers may have negative impacts on humans through damaged homes and infrastructure, they are also necessary for healthy ecosystems. Small alterations to historical patterns of flood and drought can have a harmful impact on competing vegetation.

A new study finds that it is essential to understand interactions between nature and people in order to determine whether a region will suffer from water scarcity in the future. In their modeling of climate change, researchers found that the human components of the model can make a big difference in where, when and how severely the impacts will be felt.

The Cascadia Lifelines Program, operated by Oregon State University and its lifeline infrastructure partners, has created a new online tool that anyone in Oregon can use to better identify the risks they face from a major earthquake anticipated on the Cascadia subduction zone. Known as OHELP, the program is free for any individual, homeowner, agency, business or industry.