8.9

The big news early this morning(complete with streaming video) is the 8.9 earthquake that struck off the coast of Japan last night. 

I have a slight personal interest, because some of my former co-workers from PSNS are currently in Japan supporting a refit of the U.S.S George Washington.  Due to the wonders of facebook and other forms of instant across the globe communication, reassurances have already been sent out that all PSNS employees are present, accounted for, and shaken but not stirred.  So, that is good news for me personally...but not so much for the other people(early reports are 'Hundreds') that are alrady reported missing following the quake and 23-foot tsunami that followed it up.   Prayers might not help, but they never hurt. 

About 10 years, Western Washington experienced what is referred to as The Nisqually Quake(named after it's epicenter).  That quake was rated a 6.8 on the Richter Scale, and due to it's depth, we not as destructive as it coud have been.  Even so, it was felt from Portland, Oregon north to Vancouver, BC, and east to Sandpoint, Idaho.  It is still used as frame of reference for people in the 'Do you remember what you were doing during the Nisqually Quake'.

The Richter Scale being logrithmic, that means the quake that hit off Japan last night was over 120 times more powerful than what hit in Washington.  Somewhat bogles the imagination.  I do know, as a frame of reference, that in the book 'The Rift' which deals with the aftermath of a large earthquake on the New Madrid Fault Line, the initial earthquake was an 8.9.  So...when writers pick that number to start their tales of woe...you know it's not a good thing. 

Precautionary tsunami warnings were called out for Hawaii, and the West Coast of the US.  Initial waves that hit the Oregon Coast were in the 7-8 foot range, but when it comes to possible tsunami, it's much better to be safe than sorry.

Sometimes you don't get a do-over.