Subduction zone science is conducted by researchers from multiple departments and units within the College of the Environment and across campus at the University of Washington. Faculty in the department of Earth and Space Sciences study the deformation, seismicity, erosion, tectonics, geochemistry, and structure of the forearc, arc, and backarc. Within the School of Oceanography, faculty with expertise in marine geology and geophysics study the offshore component of the subduction system, while oceanographers study the physical and chemical processes on the shelf and in coastal estuaries above the forearc. The Pacific Northwest Seismic Network maintains an array of sensors that monitors the earthquake and volcanic actiity in our region...
The UW is a leader in subduction zone science and associated hazards. Our expertise spans from the ridge to the back arc, and our portfolio of research projects addresses a range of scientific and societal issues.