Skip to main content
Back to Show
PBS News Hour

Would a Major Earthquake Sink Portland in Liquefied Soil?

Though the impact of Wednesday's 5.9-magnitude earthquake off Oregon's coast was minimal, a lesser-known risk of temblors -- a phenomenon called liquefaction where sandy soil turns to liquid and loses its ability to support weight -- has some scientists worried. Tom Bearden reports what's being done to prepare for a major quake.

Sign up now for inspiring and thought-provoking media delivered straight to your inbox.
Support Provided By
Season
May 22, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
May 22, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
May 21, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
May 21, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
May 20, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
May 20, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
May 19, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
May 19, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
May 18, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
26:45
May 18, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
May 17, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
26:45
May 17, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
May 16, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
May 16, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
May 15, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
May 15, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
May 14, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
May 14, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
May 13, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
May 13, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
May 12, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
May 12, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
May 11, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
26:44
May 11, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
Active loading indicator