Shaky Ground from KHSU

Dr. Lori Dengler gives us a primer for the science of tectonics.

Aveao Faausu Fonoti, Mayor of Amanave, shows the bullhorn he used on the morning of September 29, 2009 to notify the residents of his village in American Samoa. He had attended a workshop sponsored by the Samoan Affairs Office for mayors about tsunamis only a few weeks beforehand and remembered that ground shaking was a natural warning. He ran through the village blowing the bullhorn and alerting residents to the danger. Although 80% of the buildings in his village were destroyed, no one died

In the early morning hours of February 27, 2010, Martina Marturana felt a slight tremor that lasted a long time. The 12-year-old lived on Robinson Crusoe Island, 325 miles off the coast of central Chile. She looked out the window and noticed the boats in the harbor moving in an unusual way, and ran to ring an alarm bell in the town square. Eight people died in her village but she is credited with saving over 600!

Geologist Lori Dengler says a Tsunami Communications Test is coming. On the morning of March 28th, folks will encounter alert tones, texts and other messages announcing the test. This is a preparedness effort for a tsunami coming from afar. To learn about receiving emergency alert notifications, click here .

On December 26, 2004, Tilly Smith was on vacation in Thailand with her family. Thanks to her school lessons, Tilly helped save many lives by recognizing the signs of an oncoming tsunami.

Kamaishi junior high students saved themselves and many others during the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Geologist Lori Dengler highlights the students and preparedness drills that saved many lives.

Communication is key. This segment of Shaky Ground celebrates the good work of Radio Bio Bio during a massive Chilean earthquake.

On this segment of Shaky Ground , Geologist Lori Dengler takes on tales of earthquakes swallowing up hapless critters.

Beautiful walks along the beach are possible any time of the year on the northcoast. Lori Dengler encourages us to be mindful of the unexpected "sneaker wave"... Lori discusses a bit about the science of these surprising occurrences among rather predictable sets of waves.

The deadliest earthquake of 2017 took place along the Iran-Iraq border earlier this month. Geologist Lori Dengler discusses the tectonics - and politics - of the region.