Carolina Geologic Society Sunday Workshops

Understanding and Using USGS Data Resources

HAZUS MH – A Tool for Damage Assessment

Advances in Plate Tectonics

Dr. Erin Beutel, College of Charleston

For 30+ years geology has been dominated by the ideas brought forth by the development of plate tectonics. While the basic theories presented in that original idea still hold true to today, recent advances in technology have allowed scientists to probe deeper and see more, which has led to a whole slew of new ways of thinking about plate tectonics. Many of these new theories are the topics of furious debate at national meetings and over the new “airwaves”, the internet. We will explore some of these new theories and look at how they compare with our own experiences in southeastern geology.

Topics for discussion include: “To plume or not to plume”, “Plate Rigidity”, and “Top-Down Tectonics”.

The workshop will consist of a series of presentations designed to provoke discussion followed by group discourses on if, and how, these advances change previous interpretations for tectonic events (past and present) in the Carolinas.

Persons of all geologic backgrounds are encouraged to attend.

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Understanding and Using USGS Data Resources

Dr. Eric Anderson, USGS

This Workshop will focus on the wide range of earth science information available from the U.S. Geological Survey over the internet. Programs such as The National Map, the National Elevation Database, and the National Hydrologic Database provide tremendous resources for mapping and analytical studies. Access to water quality and flow data is an important resource for many users. In addition, geological and biological information are increasingly being made accessible over the internet.

Persons of all geologic backgrounds are encouraged to attend.

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HAZUS MH – A Tool for Damage Assessment

Clayton Wine, Charleston County Public Works

Registration Limit 20 people

HAZUS-MH is a powerful risk assessment software program for analyzing potential losses from floods, hurricane winds and earthquakes. In HAZUS-MH, current scientific and engineering knowledge is coupled with ESRI ArcGIS technology to produce estimates of hazard related damage before, or after, a disaster occurs. This work shop will provide an overview of HAZUS-MH, the Software and Structure of the system, The Models and Development of HAZUS studies. The Instructor will provide information on

the Future of HAZUS within South Carolina.

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GIS for Hazard Analysis and Mapping

Norman S. Levine, College of Charleston

Briget Doyle, College of Charleston

Registration Limit 20 people

This workshop will introduce participants to the use of Geographic Information Systems technology for Natural Hazard Assessment. The course will use Esri’s ArcGIS 9.0 software at the College of Charleston’s Santee Cooper GIS Laboratory. The class will cover the use of basic data and toolbox applications. The class will focus on Seismic issues, Flooding, and BMP implementation.

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Charleston Earthquake Walking Tour

Dr. Steve Jaume, College of Charleston

On August 31, 1886 at around 9:50pm, an earthquake centered near Charleston, along the Ashley River fault in Summerville, devastated the peninsula and surrounding areas. The quake was one of the largest earthquakes recorded on the East coast. The initial shock lasted less than one minute and a strong aftershock followed just eight minutes later. In the twenty-four hours after the initial shock, six additional shocks occurred. At least 110 people were killed in the process and many more were injured. For Charleston few buildings escaped without damage, many of the buildings (especially brick structures) were totally destroyed by the earthquake. Other damage was due to subsequent fires, ruptured sewage and water lines, leaking from a nearby dam, and wells cracking. Brick buildings sustained most of the damage and steel rods were installed along the buildings’ foundation to pull the building back together. Many of these buildings are still standing today, which makes Charleston a prime spot to investigate earthquake damage and remediation. The tour will present sites though out the Charleston Downtown Area and include before and after photographs of the damage. This is just another reason Charleston is a wonderful vacation place to enjoy beautiful scenery and learn about one of America’s strongest Earthquakes. The 1886 earthquake caused over five million dollars in damage; the cost in today's standards would be astronomical.