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Patrick Corcoran, Coastal Natural Hazards

Patrick Corcoran engages university researchers and coastal residents in learning about the negative impacts of coastal natural hazards and how to mitigate those negative impacts through better practices and policies. This process of collaborative learning creates more informed citizens and researchers, and fosters safer families and communities. Pat's three areas of focus are earthquake and tsunami preparedness, safer coastal development, and Oregon beach hazards.

Earthquake and Tsunami Preparedness

Oregon exists in a highly seismic location that generates a variety of earthquakes from small to large. Most critical to residents of coastal Oregon is the Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ). The western edge of the CSZ runs just offshore and parallel to the coast from northern California to southern British Columbia. This subduction zone generates huge M9.0+ earthquakes and tsunamis. These events occur fairly regularly in geologic time, with average recurrence intervals of 300 - 500 years. The last CSZ earthquake and tsunamis occurred in 1700, so we are within the timeframe of the next Big One.

In addition to the tsunamis generated by the CSZ, the Oregon coast is vulnerable to tsunamis generated elsewhere around the Pacific Rim. These "distant" tsunamis are preceded (on the west coast of the US) by warnings and estimations of tsunami size and estimated time of arrival. These tsunamis are still dangerous, but are typically smaller and cause only localized damage. The three things people need to know are: the difference between and local and distant event, where are the tsunami inundation areas, and how to reconnect with loved ones after each type of event. Follow the links below to learn more about tsunami preparedness.

Article: Getting Ready for the Big One

Pat's Handout "The Three Things You Need to Know" (small Word file)

Pat's Publication: "Tsunami Awareness for Fishermen and Mariners" (Medium pdf)

Pat's Slide Presentation: "Earthquake and Tsunami Preparedness" (Medium PowerPoint pdf)

Animation of a Cascadia Subduction Zone Tsunami Hitting the Oregon Coast ( Large Zip File)

Animation of a Distant Tsunami to Oregon and Buoy System (Large Movie file)

Spanish Language Publication (DOGAMI), (Small pdf)

Safer Coastal Development

Our growing population and advances in engineering increase the pressure to develop coastal lands previously thought to be undevelopable. At the same time, rising sea levels and more frequent and intense winter storms are eroding beaches, cliffs and other areas desirable for homes and commercial development. Pat extends research based information and engages local audiences in understanding the impacts of coastal climate change and related hazards on residential and commercial development.

Oregon Sea Grant Funded Research Project on Coastal Hazards

Research Demonstration on How Beaches Recover After a Storm (Flash video)

Oregon Sea Grant video: Living on the Edge: Buying and Building Property on the Oregon Coast (Cover jpg)

Living on the Edge Video Excerpt (Flash video)

Oregon Beach Hazards

Coastal Oregon is growing in both its resident population and in visitor days. New residents and visitors sometimes underestimate the hazards associated with Oregon beaches. These include: rip currents, sneaker waves, wet logs, large tidal ranges, dangerous access routes, cold water, few life guards, remote beaches, biological hazards, and even earthquakes and tsunamis. Pat speaks to a wide range of groups on typical beach hazards and how to enjoy the beach safely.

Sea Grant video on Rip Currents

Sea Grant video on Dangerous Logs

NOAA Coastal Storms Program

Pat's outreach work in coastal hazards began as the Coordinator for Outreach for the PNW Coastal Storms Program (CSP). This 3-year pilot project was a collaboration between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Oregon Sea Grant, and Washington Sea Grant. NOAA invested over $3 million dollars in the development of new maps, models, and tools to better predict and prepare for severe coastal weather at the Mouth of the Columbia River. The new investments included: a hydrodynamic model of the Columbia River, a near-shore wave prediction model, a new buoy and other weather observation instruments, a toxicological assessment of storm runoff and it's impact on fish, environmental sensitivity index maps highlighting critical habitats in the region, and computer software for assessing local risk and vulnerability to flooding created by coastal storms. Pat made local stakeholders aware of the program, involved them in the development of the tools, and keeps the users and developers of the tools connected now that the pilot program has ended.

Pat's Coastal Storms Program Website

NOAA Coastal Storms Program, Story of Accomplishment (PDF)

NOAA Coastal Storms Program (PNW Pilot) (Website)