Carrie Garrison-Laney

A skilled science communicator and a trained scientist, Dr. Carrie Garrison-Laney contributes to tsunami hazard research through studies of evidence for past tsunamis and earthquakes in Washington. Her work has improved the knowledge of past tsunami sources and timing of tsunami flooding, which will lead to improved hazard assessments for coastal residents. Carrie also conducts tsunami hazard outreach, and serves on tsunami-focused panels and workgroups.

WSG has teamed with State and Federal agencies working at the forefront of tsunami research and outreach to help prepare Washington’s coastal communities for the next tsunami. Washington is vulnerable to tsunamis from both local and distant earthquakes, and there is geologic evidence for past tsunamis in many Washington locations. Because of this, tsunami hazard awareness and planning is a number one priority for community resiliency. WSG’s coastal hazard expert and NOAA PMEL Liaison Carrie Garrison-Laney collaborates with state and county emergency managers, maritime groups, and other stakeholders around the state and gives public presentations focused on education and preparation.

Through a combination of research and outreach, WSG builds scientific understanding and public awareness of this paramount coastal hazard. WSG staff link the NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory’s NOAA Center for Tsunami Research to end-users in the community, including the Washington Military Department’s Emergency Management Division, the Washington State Geological Survey at the Department of Natural Resources, and other agencies. WSG supports their efforts to plan effectively for natural hazards. Carrie’s work is partially supported by Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory Liaison funds.

Expertise

• Tsunami geology
• Community engagement and outreach
• Tsunami science
• Scientific communication
• Scientific education

Panels and Workgroups

Represents WSG and NOAA PMEL as Liaison on the following:

• The NOAA SAB Tsunami Science and Technology Advisory Panel Co-Chair
• Cascadia Region Earthquake Science Center (CRESCENT) Paleoseismology Working Group
• Cascadia Region Earthquake Science Center (CRESCENT) Tsunami Sources for Hazard Assessment Special Interest Group
• USGS Powell Center Workshops on Tsunami Sources

Presentations

• Understanding the West Coast tsunami threat, 10/10/19
• Ghost forest reveals clues to the Cascadia Subduction Zone’s last earthquake, 10/11/2019
• Sea Grant Spotlight Webinar, 03/19/2020
• Coastal Cafe Radio Show, 07/22/2020
• Alaska earthquake reminder that tsunamis triggered by quakes can reach Washington, 10/20/2020
• (National Geographic) X-Ray Earth: Seattle Mega Quake, 8/17/2020
• Tsunami Hazards in Whatcom County, 2020
• Records of Earthquakes and Tsunamis in Coastal Wetlands, 2020
• The Next Big One, 1/22/21 and 1/24/21
• Watch the Tsunami Eye View on Washington Coast, 10/13/2022
• Surviving a Tsunami on the Washington Coast, 10/19/2022
• How Scientists Solved the Mystery of a 300-Year-Old Megaquake, 12/12/2024
• How scientists are combating the Washington coastline’s significant tsunami risk, 5/31/25