Vulnerability of port and harbor communities to earthquake and tsunami hazards: The use of GIS in community hazard planning

Coastal Management
By:  and 

Links

Abstract

Earthquakes and tsunamis pose significant threats to Pacific Northwest coastal port and harbor communities. Developing holistic mitigation and preparedness strategies to reduce the potential for loss of life and property damage requires community-wide vulnerability assessments that transcend traditional site-specific analyses. The ability of a geographic information system (GIS) to integrate natural, socioeconomic, and hazards information makes it an ideal assessment tool to support community hazard planning efforts. This article summarizes how GIS was used to assess the vulnerability of an Oregon port and harbor community to earthquake and tsunami hazards, as part of a larger risk-reduction planning initiative. The primary purposes of the GIS were to highlight community vulnerability issues and to identify areas that both are susceptible to hazards and contain valued port and harbor community resources. Results of the GIS analyses can help decision makers with limited mitigation resources set priorities for increasing community resiliency to natural hazards.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Vulnerability of port and harbor communities to earthquake and tsunami hazards: The use of GIS in community hazard planning
Series title Coastal Management
DOI 10.1080/08920750490448622
Volume 32
Issue 3
Year Published 2004
Language English
Publisher Taylor & Francis
Publisher location New York
Contributing office(s) Western Geographic Science Center
Description 27 p.
First page 243
Last page 269
Country United States
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details