Columbia researchers will install a seismometer under Washington Square Park this summer to assess the potential damage caused if a big earthquake were to hit New York. A study shows that the city could expect a big quake in the near future — something that troubles experts, who say New York is not well-prepared for natural disasters.
Images
"New York is much less well-prepared for earthquakes than Japan," John Armbrust, a Columbia seismology professor, said, comparing the potential consequences of a quake in the city with the challenges Japan faced after it was hit by a 9.0 earthquake in March.
In a study published in 2008, Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory warned that New York City should expect an earthquake every 100 years. The most recent major earthquake hit in 1884.
Some are concerned that an earthquake could damage New York's Indian Point Energy Center; the nuclear power plant is located at the intersection of two active seismic zones. Indian Point produces electricity for Westchester and New York City.
The energy center said in a press release that "operating nuclear power plants are safe and ... every plant is designed with a margin of safety beyond the strongest earthquake anticipated in the area."
NYU environmental studies professor Michael Rampino said an earthquake is unlikely on the Ramapo Fault in New York, but not out of the question.
"The Ramapo Fault is a very old fault and not part of the active faults produced by current movements," Rampino said. "That being said, there is still an outside chance for a relatively large earthquake."
Other geologists have expressed a similar lack of concern about the Ramapo Fault, but that hasn't stopped numerous activists from pushing for closing Indian Point.
"The actual faults underlying the Indian Point plant are more likely to produce a [magnitude 6] earthquake according to L-D Earth Observatory," said Dr. Andrew Kanter, president of Physicians for Social Responsibility, which has campaigned to close Indian Point.
According to Armbruster, now is the time for New York to re-examine disaster preparedness.
"[We should] educate the public and public officials [about] what to do in an earthquake," he said. "Enact earthquake factors in the building codes. Enforce current codes on poorly maintained buildings [and] do special studies of critical structures such as bridges and nuclear plants."
The Washington Square Park seismometer joins many installed to measure seismic activity in New York City boroughs.
