"Chilean Quake a Warning to U.S. Northwest"

The Pacific "ring of fire" -- the zone where tectonic plates crunch -- doesn't stop at the equator. It extends through the U.S. Pacific Northwest, which is also vulnerable to intense quakes. States like Oregon are just beginning to retrofit potentially lethal buildings, and the seismic clock is ticking.

Andrew C. Revkin reports for Dot Earth in the New York Times February 28, 2010.

See Also:

"In Chilean quake, a warning for U.S." (USA TODAY)

"Looking for Lessons in Haiti's Epic Tragedy" (AP)

"Building Codes, Quake Locations Key To Chile-Haiti Tolls" (AFP)