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Earthquakes and sitting in port

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by C4ENG, Aug 5, 2006.

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  1. C4ENG, Aug 5, 2006
    #1
    C4ENG

    C4ENG Senior Member

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    While sitting in port at an earthquake prone area, we were in discussion about what could happen to the in the inland water ways of this area if an earthquake were to strike. The topic came up if you were sitting tied up to the dock and a major earthquake hit the surrounding city, epicenter being on land, could that stir up the bay and inland waters to become violent with up and down surges from the shaking of the earth? Surges that could possibly cause you to break away from the dock or cause many other dangerous non-welcoming events providing if the surrounding waters could be so affect by an near by inland earthquake?
    Does any body know anything about that?
  2. techmati, Aug 5, 2006
    #2
    techmati

    techmati Senior Member

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    i think an earthquake out to sea causing a tsunami to hit land would be more of a problem to you.
  3. C4ENG, Aug 5, 2006
    #3
    C4ENG

    C4ENG Senior Member

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    Anybody watching the Discovery channel will know the dangers of an offshore earthquake. But I have never herd anything about what could take place in inland waters, bays or the potental dangers of being in port or harbor in the mist of a large inland earthquake. That is why our earthquake conversation had caught my curiosity so much. I have been searching earthquake websites and have sent letters through those sites to geologist asking the question. I have not heard back yet and also have not found any info on inland water issues from seismic activity.
  4. Garry Hartshorn, Aug 6, 2006
    #4
    Garry Hartshorn

    Garry Hartshorn Senior Member

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    I would suggest thinking about a cat5 ++++ hurricane storm surge would be like
  5. Codger, Aug 6, 2006
    #5
    Codger

    Codger YF Wisdom Dept.

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    The only occurrence that comes to mind is the Juneau Alaska earthquake back in the 60s. I believe that there was some damage to vessels in port.
    Give your insurer a call :). They can imagine anything that could possibly go wrong anywhere in the world, and charge accordingly.
  6. C4ENG, Aug 6, 2006
    #6
    C4ENG

    C4ENG Senior Member

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    I think that is a great lead.
    But then I found myself laughing.
    I started to picture the boss wondering what idiot on the boat caused his rates to go up all of a sudden.
  7. Codger, Aug 6, 2006
    #7
    Codger

    Codger YF Wisdom Dept.

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    Framing the questions using discretion when asking for information from the insurer might be a good idea :)

    You should be able to get a planet wide risk level map with some explanations for areas with exceptional coverage requirements.
  8. C4ENG, Aug 7, 2006
    #8
    C4ENG

    C4ENG Senior Member

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    I recieved a letter back from a geologst and here is what he had to say:

    The question was:
    If a large earth quake wear to take place in a earthquake prone area estimated 6.0 to 7.3, would you imagine the surrounding inland water ways of the area could become very turbulent with up and down surges and slosh, turning the bay into what could almost be called a washing machine effect?
    His answer was:
    Yes, tsunamis, landslides, and liquefaction from earthquakes are a possibility. Boat damage from tsunamis can be far reaching. The tsunami from the 1964 Alaska earthquake damaged boats in California.

    I hope this helps. If you have any additional questions feel free to ask me or the Ask-A-Geologist program.

    Glenn Jolly
    U. S. Geological Survey
    Water Resources Division
    12201 Sunrise Valley Dr., MS430
    Reston, Va. 20192
    gdjolly@usgs.gov
  9. purpleK, Aug 14, 2006
    #9
    purpleK

    purpleK New Member

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    I am from the SF bay area and was there in 89 for that event.
    The bridge/freeway collapses would be of concern as well as the aforementioned luiqifaction process. Marina buildings could collapse as well as docks and seawall structures
    If the magnitude was to go up above 9.0 and last for more than 30 seconds at that level??? Back in the mid 1800's the Mississippi ran backwards for 2-3 days after that event so...... the SF bay could empty or overflow?
    It would not be good for sure. The only true safe place to be in the event of a MAJOR earthquake is in an airplane with enough fuel to get you out of the damaged area!