Haiti eathquake damage

Curious About the Haiti Earthquake?

Participate in this discussion on Monday, February 8, 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. in the Alcove at the Allen Chapman Activity Center to learn how a M7.0 quake could result in such significant damage and loss of life. Geosciences Professor Bryan Tapp will discuss the factors that contributed to a disaster of such magnitude in Haiti.

The M 7.0 earthquake in Haiti (Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at 04:53:09 PM at epicenter) is one of the most significant earthquakes in recent time. Even though the earthquake was much weaker than the recent earthquake in Sichuan, China (M7.9), the resultant death toll is significantly higher, approaching or perhaps surpassing the 2004, (M9.1) Banda Aceh earthquake.

The talk will concentrate on the mechanics of the earthquake itself, the fault system on which the earthquake occurred, and the underlying reasons that this earthquake caused such significant damage and loss of life. At the time of this announcement, the official death toll is put at 150,000. The estimates of the ultimate death toll range from 200,000 to more than 300,000. This event is one of the largest humanitarian crises in recent history.

There will be an open question and answer session and discussion session after the talk. The lecture is free and open to the public. Cookies and beverages will be provided.

 

The faculty of the Department of Geosciences consists of tenured, tenure-track, visiting and instructional faculty who are focused on providing a world-class educational and research experience to our students.  The Department of Geosciences is committed to premier undergraduate education and focused, high-quality graduate and undergraduate research. Exceptional students will find a stimulating environment for research and interaction with faculty. Our undergraduate program provides students with broad experience in the sciences and the ability to think critically and communicate effectively. Our graduate program offers research and training opportunities that prepare students for a wide range of professional careers.

Faculty members are all highly regarded in their individual fields, and are actively conducting research with students around the globe.  The major areas of research emphasis of the faculty are tectonics and igneous petrology, reservoir characterization, clastic and carbonate sedimentology, 3D geotomography and exploration geophysics, and environmental biogeosciences.