← Back to Sessions

Lessons Learned as a Geoscience Communicator During the 2020-2021 Southwest Puerto Rico Seismic Sequence

Description: 

The 2020-2021 Southwest Puerto Rico Seismic Sequence is the first major seismic activity in the Puerto Rico Archipelago since 1918. Local and federal government delivered emergency management and provided expert knowledge. Among these, is the Puerto Rico Seismic Network (PRSN). This presentation will describe the experience of a professor from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras as a geoscience communicator, serving as the liaison between the Puerto Rico Seismic Network, the US Geological Survey, and the local government. In addition, other experiences in geoscience communication before and after the 2020-2021 Southwest Puerto Rico Seismic Sequence are included as examples of communicating science to non-science and non-geologists, emphasizing promising experiences, challenges, and transdisciplinary work. These examples and experiences highlight the importance of geoscience communication when addressing citizens’ risk and the capacity of individuals to take action. It will also emphasize lessons learned from each communication delivery and the long-term learning process. More importantly, it highlights the challenge of delivering the message in a way that inspires security and avoids misconceptions.

Session: The 2020-2021 Southwest Puerto Rico Seismic Sequence: Current State of Knowledge and Implications

Type: Oral

Date: 4/18/2023

Presentation Time: 10:45 AM (local time)

Presenting Author: Lorna G. Jaramillo-Nieves

Student Presenter: No

Invited Presentation: Yes

Authors