The tools of simulation have become very refined over the years. Using animation software and detailed data capture and environment maps, it’s possible to produce accurate and compelling recreations of events like the collapse of the World Trade Center or the assassination of JFK or to produce over the top cataclysms for a movie like 2012.  Erring on the side of accuracy would lead to a very boring Summer blockbuster; and turning the knob to 11 when trying to inform the public about a real world problem, leads to disinformation and deception. 

Case in point, The Washington State Department of Transportation’s simulation of what would happen to Seattle’s antiquated Viaduct and beautiful waterfront during an earthquake. The animation shows a scene of total destruction of the area. The problem is that they state that the simulation was based upon a “similar” earthquake. The truth is that they used data for a quake that is much closer and two levels of magnitude stronger. It’s certainly possible that such an event could happen. It’s far more likely that the area will have a smaller quake that will cause plenty of damage but nothing that will have the biblical punch of what they produced. Their goal was to soften up the public, not to inform it. Credibility is exchanged for the necessity to make a slam dunk.  Why let the truth get in the way of your agenda.