Speakers: Joan Gomberg, Research Geophysicist, US Geological Survey Brian Sherrod, Research Geologist, US Geological Survey Tim Walsh, Division of Geology & Earth Resources, Chief Hazards, Washington State Department of Natural Resources This session will communicate, in lay terms, the latest scientific discoveries relevant to assessing and responding to earthquake hazards in the Pacific Northwest. We will describe recent advances in understanding of regional faults, forecasts of the ground shaking and impacts from earthquakes on these faults, and lessons learned for the Pacific Northwest from recent significant earthquakes around the globe. The scientific programs underway and planned also will be discussed, emphasizing their linkages to improved earthquake hazard assessments and mitigation and response tools.