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The Next 100 Years of Earthquake Science, Engineering, and Emergency Management—It's Time to Unite

This year's 100th anniversary of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake is giving us the opportunity to reflect on what we have accomplished over the past century, showcase our passion for seismic safety, and talk fervently about what needs to be done. The highly visual, three-dimensional ground motion simulations produced by the seismological community clearly illustrate the advancements in understanding that 100 years of seismological research has produced. The national consensus that has produced the first national seismic design codes for structures clearly points to the achievements of the engineering professions. One hundred and fifty years of observations and collaboration has produced clear instructions about how to design earthquake-ready structures. Emergency response plans that focus on safe evacuation, shelter and interim housing, vulnerable populations, long-term recovery, and exercises at the federal, state and local level give emergency planners reason to be cautiously optimistic that they are ready to handle the next "big one." Good job all!

Conservatism is usually a safe place to be, but excessive conservatism can yield a sense of hopelessness that leads to inaction.

 

The 100th Anniversary Earthquake Conference commemorating the 1906 earthquake, held in San Francisco 18–21 April 2006, was a capstone event for earthquake professionals worldwide. For the first time, earth scientists, earthquake engineers, and emergency managers from California, the nation, and around the world came together to explore recent advances in their respective fields, share best practices, teach fundamentals, and advance an expert opinion on the changes that are needed in public policies related to earthquakes and their effects on communities. Since all the sessions were open to the 4,000+ participants, the meeting involved a considerable amount of interdisciplinary participation and generated a better understanding of the issues that each discipline faces.

The meeting also clearly demonstrated the value of bringing all the earthquake disciplines . . . [Full Text of this Article]

Chris D. Poland, SE, President and CEO, Degenkolb Engineers General Chair

100th Anniversary Earthquake Conference
cpoland@degenkolb.com