OrganizationGolder - Member of WSP
Emailjohn.thornley@wsp.com
Location
Anchorage , Alaska 99503
United StatesBio
I am a senior geotechnical engineer with more than 17 years of experience in earthquake and permafrost engineering. I am fortunate that those two overlap in Alaska for some very interesting projects. Along with the interesting projects I get to work on, I am also active in several different communities. Currently I am the President of the U.S. Permafrost Association (USPA), Chair of the Municipality of Anchorage Geotechnical Advisory Commission, Chair of the ASCE Cold Regions Engineering Division (CRED) Structures & Foundations Committee, and an active member of the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute.
One of the unique challenges I see facing the Arctic is the potential to develop seismic hazards as the permafrost degrades. This is an area of significant interest as we look at the effects of climate change on permafrost and some of the challenges in sustainable infrastructure, including the development of changes in earthquake site response at a site as a result.
One of the unique challenges I see facing the Arctic is the potential to develop seismic hazards as the permafrost degrades. This is an area of significant interest as we look at the effects of climate change on permafrost and some of the challenges in sustainable infrastructure, including the development of changes in earthquake site response at a site as a result.
Interests
Permafrost, EngineeringScience Specialties
Cold regions engineering, including permafrost and seasonally frozen ground. Work for public and private infrastructure.Earthquake engineering, including cold regions site response.
Current Research
Engineering response to climactic impacts on permafrostSeismic impacts at thawing permafrost sites