Subduction Zone Image off West Coast

Workshop

Join us on April 3-5, 2017, for a conversation about offshore sensor networks

Offshore Geophysical Monitoring of Cascadia for Early Warning and Hazards Research

Seattle | April 3-5, 2017


The final workshop report is posted here.

Additional workshop documents are found here.

Nov 17, 2017 Update:  A draft of the workshop report is now posted.  Please send your feedback to ewoc@uw.edu or post comments on the Google doc (see link in email).

Mar 29 Update: The Abstract (33 MB) and Whitepaper (13 MB) volumes are now posted.  Scroll to the bottom to see suggestions on transportation to/from SeaTac Airport.

Mar 18 Update: The agenda and list of workshop registrants are now posted.

Jan 29 Update:  Registration is now closed.  All of those individuals who registered prior to Janurary 16th have been contacted.  If you did not receive a confirmation email with instructions, please send an email to ewoc@uw.edu.

Workshop Goal/Objectives:  As part of a feasibility study to evaluate the benefits and design of an offshore geophysical network in Cascadia for earthquake and tsunami early warning and scientific research, the University of Washington is hosting a meeting for interested scientists and engineers to discuss the scientific and societal motivation for such a system, the geophysical requirements, and the merits of alternative engineering approaches. The workshop will also explore strategies for engaging stakeholders and implementation.

Organizers:  David Schmidt and William Wilcock  (send inquires to ewoc@uw.edu)

Workshop Dates: Monday April 3rd through Wednesday April 5th, 2017

Location and Venue: NorthWest Horticultural Society Hall at the Center for Urban Horticulture, University of Washington, Seattle. A map showing the location of the venue can be found here.  

Agenda Summary:  A preliminary agenda is posted here.  The workshop will begin the morning of April 3rd and end at lunch time on April 5th with opportunities for small group meetings and synthesis continuing into the afternoon.  Plenary talks will discuss the scientific motivation for making offshore observations, lessons learned from existing seafloor systems, the logistical requirements for early warning capability, the engineering considerations for providing power and telemetry to the seafloor, existing and emerging seafloor technologies, and the tradeoffs of various design options.

Abstracts and White Papers:  Abstracts (talk or poster) or white papers will be expected for those who receive travel support, and encouraged for all others.  These submissions are the primary means to document relevant examples, ideas, and feedback for participants to consider.  Abstracts are intended to share scientific results or demonstrations.  White papers can be used to express opinions or perspectives.   Space and time for posters will be allocated during the workshop.  Abstract & white papers should be submitted as a MS Word document (preferred) or pdf to ewoc@uw.edu by Sunday, March 26th, 2017.  This document should include author information (including affiliation), and up to 1-page of single-spaced text.  Figure(s) are welcomed.  

Lodging Information: A block of rooms is available for reservations up until March 3 under the group name “CASCADIA” at the Silver Cloud Inn - University District, 1-800-205-6940).  Rooms at the group rate are available from April 2 to April 6 at the rates of $159+tax for a Standard King room and $169+tax for a Standard Double Queen room.  The Silver Cloud Inn is within walking distance (0.8 mile) from the conference venue (map); a shuttle bus is also available.  Other lodging options exist nearby for those who wish to make alternative arrangements.  Participants are responsible for booking their own lodging reservation, and must do this before March 3, 2017 to receive the discounted rate at the Silver Cloud.

Costs and Travel Support:   No registration fee will be required.  Some meals (3 lunches and 1 dinner) will be provided and a complimentary breakfast is available at the meeting hotel. Other meals and miscellaneous travel expenses will be the responsibility of the attendees.  We have limited funds for travel and lodging support; the level of support will depend on the number of attendees.  Preference will be given to early career scientists and invited speakers.  Workshop attendance is capped by the size of the meeting facility at 120 participants.  Workshop support is provided by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.

Deadlines:

  • Applications due Monday, January 16th, 2017.  ►Registration is now closed.
  • Make hotel reservation at Silver Cloud Inn no later than Friday, March 3rd, 2017. (Responsibility of Attendee)
  • Abstracts and white papers due Sunday, March 26th, 2017.  Submit to ewoc@uw.edu.

International Attendees:  International participation is important for this workshop.   An invitation letter can be provided upon request, if needed to secure a visa. Please contact the workshop organizers at (ewoc@uw.edu).

Transportation (local):  Participants arriving through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport can now take Link Light Rail ($3.25, 45 minute ride) to the University of Washington Station, which is about 1 mile from the meeting hotel (map).  Between 7 AM and 10 PM the Silver Cloud offers a courtesy shuttle from the light rail station to the hotel (call 1-206-526-5200 upon arrival at the light rail station).  Or if the weather is good, it is a pleasant walk northbound along the Burke Gilman bike path (just ask for directions).

It is also possible to take a taxi (~$60, 30 min) or shared van (~$20) from the airport to the hotel.  Services are also available from transportation network companies.

Parking: Both the hotel and meeting venue offer plenty of free parking for those arriving by car.

About Seattle: