This kind of “inevitable uncertainty” is uncomfortable. It will happen, and becomes more likely as time goes on, but it’s unlikely to happen today or tomorrow. It’s possibly catastrophic, but likely to be “only” severe.

Geology in Oregon is somewhat terrifying. The Columbia River gorge wasn’t a slow gradual cut over millions of years — it was a roaring, rushing calamity of water and ice ripping out solid rock.

And, the rock? Laid down by lava flows so large they span hundreds of miles and are deeper than buildings are tall.

The violence of Mother Nature.