House destroyed by Palu earthquake-induced liquefaction. Note standing water which indicates a nearly surface-level water table that contributed to the widespread liquefaction.
How do earthquakes affect buildings?
Ground shaking is the primary cause of earthquake damage to man-made structures. Many factors influence the strength of earthquake shaking at a site including the earthquake's magnitude, the site's proximity to the fault, the local geology, and the soil type.
More than 250 structures throughout the United States have been outfitted with seismic sensors by the USGS National Strong Motion Project (NSMP) to improve the overall understanding of earthquakes and their effects on the built environment.
The instrumentation and monitoring of structures by NSMP is only one part of USGS efforts to protect people’s lives and property from earthquake hazards in all of the Nation’s seismically active regions.
Learn more: Multidisciplinary Center for Earthquake Engineering Research
Related
How are engineers working to make roads and buildings safer? How are engineers working to make roads and buildings safer?
Earthquake engineers are working to make roads and buildings safer in the event of major earthquakes. This includes both improving the design of new buildings and bridges as well as strengthening older units to incorporate the latest advances in seismic and structural engineering. The Federal Emergency Management Agency plays a central role in funding research and development for the purpose of...
What is the difference between earthquake early warning, earthquake forecasts, earthquake probabilities, and earthquake prediction? What is the difference between earthquake early warning, earthquake forecasts, earthquake probabilities, and earthquake prediction?
The USGS uses these four terms to refer to four different things. Early warning is a notification that is issued after an earthquake starts. Probabilities and forecasts are comparable to climate probabilities and weather forecasts, while predictions are more like statements of when, where, and how large, which is not yet possible for earthquakes. Here are more detailed descriptions of each...
What is the probability that an earthquake is a foreshock to a larger earthquake? What is the probability that an earthquake is a foreshock to a larger earthquake?
Around the world, the likelihood that an earthquake will be followed by a larger earthquake nearby and within a week is about 5%. When an earthquake occurs, it can trigger other earthquakes nearby in what seismologists call an earthquake sequence. In most sequences, these later earthquakes will be smaller than the first one. The first, largest earthquake is called the mainshock and the later...
What is the probability that an earthquake will occur in the Los Angeles Area? In the San Francisco Bay area? What is the probability that an earthquake will occur in the Los Angeles Area? In the San Francisco Bay area?
According to information supplied in the Uniform California Earthquake Rupture Forecast 3: Los Angeles area: Within the next 30 years the probability is: 60% that an earthquake measuring magnitude 6.7 46% that an earthquake measuring magnitude 7 31% that an earthquake measuring magnitude 7.5 will occur in the Los Angeles region. San Francisco Bay area: Within the next 30 years the probability is...
What is the likelihood of a large earthquake at location X? Is it safe to go to X since they've been having a lot of earthquakes lately? What is the likelihood of a large earthquake at location X? Is it safe to go to X since they've been having a lot of earthquakes lately?
The National Seismic Hazards Mapping project provides an online Web tool for determining the probability of a large earthquake within 50 kilometers (~31 miles) of a specific location in the United States over a certain time period. The calculation is based on the latest available information from seismic hazard data. However, asking if it's safe to travel somewhere because of recent earthquakes is...
How do I decide whether or not to get earthquake insurance? How do I decide whether or not to get earthquake insurance?
You should consider the following factors when deciding whether or not to get earthquake insurance: proximity to active earthquake faults seismic history of the region (frequency of earthquakes) time since last earthquake building construction (type of building and foundation) architectural layout materials used quality of workmanship extent to which earthquake resistance was considered by the...
What are the earthquake hazards/risks where I live? What are the earthquake hazards/risks where I live?
Determining your risk with regard to earthquakes, or more precisely shaking from earthquakes, isn't as simple as finding the nearest fault. The chances of experiencing shaking from an earthquake and/or having property damage is dependent on many different factors. The National Hazard Maps use all available data to estimate the chances of shaking (of different strengths and frequencies) across the...
What is seismic hazard? What is a seismic hazard map and how are they used? What is seismic hazard? What is a seismic hazard map and how are they used?
Seismic hazard is the hazard associated with potential earthquakes in a particular area, and a seismic hazard map shows the relative hazards in different areas. The maps are made by considering what we currently know about: Past faults and earthquakes The behavior of seismic waves as they travel through different parts of the U.S. crust The near-surface site conditions at specific locations of...
What is a seismic zone, or seismic hazard zone? What is a seismic zone, or seismic hazard zone?
Although you may hear the terms “seismic zone” and “seismic hazard zone” used interchangeably, they really describe two slightly different things. A seismic zone is used to describe an area where earthquakes tend to focus; for example, the New Madrid Seismic Zone in the Central United States. A seismic hazard zone describes an area with a particular level of hazard due to earthquakes. Typically, a...
Palu Earthquake Damage to House from Liquefaction
House destroyed by Palu earthquake-induced liquefaction. Note standing water which indicates a nearly surface-level water table that contributed to the widespread liquefaction.
PubTalk 8/2014 — Ground Shaking in '89 Loma Prieta Quake: 25 yrs later
PubTalk 8/2014 — Ground Shaking in '89 Loma Prieta Quake: 25 yrs laterby Brad Aagaard, USGS Research Geophysicist
PubTalk 8/2014 — Ground Shaking in '89 Loma Prieta Quake: 25 yrs later
PubTalk 8/2014 — Ground Shaking in '89 Loma Prieta Quake: 25 yrs laterby Brad Aagaard, USGS Research Geophysicist
Earthquake-damaged building
Building damanged by the February 2011 earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Building damanged by the February 2011 earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand.
House Damage from 2011 Oklahoma Earthquake
House damage in central Oklahoma from the magnitude 5.6 earthquake on Nov. 6, 2011. Research conducted by USGS geophysicist Elizabeth Cochran and her university-based colleagues suggests that this earthquake was induced by injection into deep disposal wells in the Wilzetta North field.
House damage in central Oklahoma from the magnitude 5.6 earthquake on Nov. 6, 2011. Research conducted by USGS geophysicist Elizabeth Cochran and her university-based colleagues suggests that this earthquake was induced by injection into deep disposal wells in the Wilzetta North field.
Severely Damaged Buildings
Civilians on road alongside severely damaged residential buildings in Mianyang.
Civilians on road alongside severely damaged residential buildings in Mianyang.
Damaged Building
A downtown building at the corner of Alice and 13th Streets lost part of its unreinforced facade and brick masonry.
A downtown building at the corner of Alice and 13th Streets lost part of its unreinforced facade and brick masonry.
Damage to Mt. McKinley apartments caused by 1964 earthquake
Damage to Mt. McKinley apartments caused by 1964 earthquakeView of damage to the Mt. McKinley Apartments in Anchorage, Alaska caused by the March 27, 1964 earthquake. Image includes automobiles, people, and power lines. Yellow sign on building reads fallout shelter. Sign on building reads Blue mirror bar lounge. Sign on building, lower right, reads Physicians optical guild opticans.
Damage to Mt. McKinley apartments caused by 1964 earthquake
Damage to Mt. McKinley apartments caused by 1964 earthquakeView of damage to the Mt. McKinley Apartments in Anchorage, Alaska caused by the March 27, 1964 earthquake. Image includes automobiles, people, and power lines. Yellow sign on building reads fallout shelter. Sign on building reads Blue mirror bar lounge. Sign on building, lower right, reads Physicians optical guild opticans.
Long Beach Earthquake Damage
View of John Muir School on Pacific Avenue in Long Beach, California, showing damage from the March 10, 1933 Long Beach earthquake. Photo taken 8 days after the earthquake, on March 18, 1933. Photo by W.L. Huber, USGS.
View of John Muir School on Pacific Avenue in Long Beach, California, showing damage from the March 10, 1933 Long Beach earthquake. Photo taken 8 days after the earthquake, on March 18, 1933. Photo by W.L. Huber, USGS.
1906 Earthquake Damage to Home in San Francisco
1906 earthquake damage to home on Howard and 17th Streets in San Francisco. Liquefaction, the phenomenon of saturated soils losing their stiffness and strength during shaking, caused structures to tilt and collapse.
1906 earthquake damage to home on Howard and 17th Streets in San Francisco. Liquefaction, the phenomenon of saturated soils losing their stiffness and strength during shaking, caused structures to tilt and collapse.
Related
How are engineers working to make roads and buildings safer? How are engineers working to make roads and buildings safer?
Earthquake engineers are working to make roads and buildings safer in the event of major earthquakes. This includes both improving the design of new buildings and bridges as well as strengthening older units to incorporate the latest advances in seismic and structural engineering. The Federal Emergency Management Agency plays a central role in funding research and development for the purpose of...
What is the difference between earthquake early warning, earthquake forecasts, earthquake probabilities, and earthquake prediction? What is the difference between earthquake early warning, earthquake forecasts, earthquake probabilities, and earthquake prediction?
The USGS uses these four terms to refer to four different things. Early warning is a notification that is issued after an earthquake starts. Probabilities and forecasts are comparable to climate probabilities and weather forecasts, while predictions are more like statements of when, where, and how large, which is not yet possible for earthquakes. Here are more detailed descriptions of each...
What is the probability that an earthquake is a foreshock to a larger earthquake? What is the probability that an earthquake is a foreshock to a larger earthquake?
Around the world, the likelihood that an earthquake will be followed by a larger earthquake nearby and within a week is about 5%. When an earthquake occurs, it can trigger other earthquakes nearby in what seismologists call an earthquake sequence. In most sequences, these later earthquakes will be smaller than the first one. The first, largest earthquake is called the mainshock and the later...
What is the probability that an earthquake will occur in the Los Angeles Area? In the San Francisco Bay area? What is the probability that an earthquake will occur in the Los Angeles Area? In the San Francisco Bay area?
According to information supplied in the Uniform California Earthquake Rupture Forecast 3: Los Angeles area: Within the next 30 years the probability is: 60% that an earthquake measuring magnitude 6.7 46% that an earthquake measuring magnitude 7 31% that an earthquake measuring magnitude 7.5 will occur in the Los Angeles region. San Francisco Bay area: Within the next 30 years the probability is...
What is the likelihood of a large earthquake at location X? Is it safe to go to X since they've been having a lot of earthquakes lately? What is the likelihood of a large earthquake at location X? Is it safe to go to X since they've been having a lot of earthquakes lately?
The National Seismic Hazards Mapping project provides an online Web tool for determining the probability of a large earthquake within 50 kilometers (~31 miles) of a specific location in the United States over a certain time period. The calculation is based on the latest available information from seismic hazard data. However, asking if it's safe to travel somewhere because of recent earthquakes is...
How do I decide whether or not to get earthquake insurance? How do I decide whether or not to get earthquake insurance?
You should consider the following factors when deciding whether or not to get earthquake insurance: proximity to active earthquake faults seismic history of the region (frequency of earthquakes) time since last earthquake building construction (type of building and foundation) architectural layout materials used quality of workmanship extent to which earthquake resistance was considered by the...
What are the earthquake hazards/risks where I live? What are the earthquake hazards/risks where I live?
Determining your risk with regard to earthquakes, or more precisely shaking from earthquakes, isn't as simple as finding the nearest fault. The chances of experiencing shaking from an earthquake and/or having property damage is dependent on many different factors. The National Hazard Maps use all available data to estimate the chances of shaking (of different strengths and frequencies) across the...
What is seismic hazard? What is a seismic hazard map and how are they used? What is seismic hazard? What is a seismic hazard map and how are they used?
Seismic hazard is the hazard associated with potential earthquakes in a particular area, and a seismic hazard map shows the relative hazards in different areas. The maps are made by considering what we currently know about: Past faults and earthquakes The behavior of seismic waves as they travel through different parts of the U.S. crust The near-surface site conditions at specific locations of...
What is a seismic zone, or seismic hazard zone? What is a seismic zone, or seismic hazard zone?
Although you may hear the terms “seismic zone” and “seismic hazard zone” used interchangeably, they really describe two slightly different things. A seismic zone is used to describe an area where earthquakes tend to focus; for example, the New Madrid Seismic Zone in the Central United States. A seismic hazard zone describes an area with a particular level of hazard due to earthquakes. Typically, a...
Palu Earthquake Damage to House from Liquefaction
House destroyed by Palu earthquake-induced liquefaction. Note standing water which indicates a nearly surface-level water table that contributed to the widespread liquefaction.
House destroyed by Palu earthquake-induced liquefaction. Note standing water which indicates a nearly surface-level water table that contributed to the widespread liquefaction.
PubTalk 8/2014 — Ground Shaking in '89 Loma Prieta Quake: 25 yrs later
PubTalk 8/2014 — Ground Shaking in '89 Loma Prieta Quake: 25 yrs laterby Brad Aagaard, USGS Research Geophysicist
PubTalk 8/2014 — Ground Shaking in '89 Loma Prieta Quake: 25 yrs later
PubTalk 8/2014 — Ground Shaking in '89 Loma Prieta Quake: 25 yrs laterby Brad Aagaard, USGS Research Geophysicist
Earthquake-damaged building
Building damanged by the February 2011 earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Building damanged by the February 2011 earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand.
House Damage from 2011 Oklahoma Earthquake
House damage in central Oklahoma from the magnitude 5.6 earthquake on Nov. 6, 2011. Research conducted by USGS geophysicist Elizabeth Cochran and her university-based colleagues suggests that this earthquake was induced by injection into deep disposal wells in the Wilzetta North field.
House damage in central Oklahoma from the magnitude 5.6 earthquake on Nov. 6, 2011. Research conducted by USGS geophysicist Elizabeth Cochran and her university-based colleagues suggests that this earthquake was induced by injection into deep disposal wells in the Wilzetta North field.
Severely Damaged Buildings
Civilians on road alongside severely damaged residential buildings in Mianyang.
Civilians on road alongside severely damaged residential buildings in Mianyang.
Damaged Building
A downtown building at the corner of Alice and 13th Streets lost part of its unreinforced facade and brick masonry.
A downtown building at the corner of Alice and 13th Streets lost part of its unreinforced facade and brick masonry.
Damage to Mt. McKinley apartments caused by 1964 earthquake
Damage to Mt. McKinley apartments caused by 1964 earthquakeView of damage to the Mt. McKinley Apartments in Anchorage, Alaska caused by the March 27, 1964 earthquake. Image includes automobiles, people, and power lines. Yellow sign on building reads fallout shelter. Sign on building reads Blue mirror bar lounge. Sign on building, lower right, reads Physicians optical guild opticans.
Damage to Mt. McKinley apartments caused by 1964 earthquake
Damage to Mt. McKinley apartments caused by 1964 earthquakeView of damage to the Mt. McKinley Apartments in Anchorage, Alaska caused by the March 27, 1964 earthquake. Image includes automobiles, people, and power lines. Yellow sign on building reads fallout shelter. Sign on building reads Blue mirror bar lounge. Sign on building, lower right, reads Physicians optical guild opticans.
Long Beach Earthquake Damage
View of John Muir School on Pacific Avenue in Long Beach, California, showing damage from the March 10, 1933 Long Beach earthquake. Photo taken 8 days after the earthquake, on March 18, 1933. Photo by W.L. Huber, USGS.
View of John Muir School on Pacific Avenue in Long Beach, California, showing damage from the March 10, 1933 Long Beach earthquake. Photo taken 8 days after the earthquake, on March 18, 1933. Photo by W.L. Huber, USGS.
1906 Earthquake Damage to Home in San Francisco
1906 earthquake damage to home on Howard and 17th Streets in San Francisco. Liquefaction, the phenomenon of saturated soils losing their stiffness and strength during shaking, caused structures to tilt and collapse.
1906 earthquake damage to home on Howard and 17th Streets in San Francisco. Liquefaction, the phenomenon of saturated soils losing their stiffness and strength during shaking, caused structures to tilt and collapse.
Updated Date: September 9, 2026