Skip to main content

What is the USGS doing to mitigate and respond to earthquake hazards?

The U.S. Geological Survey performs the following functions related to earthquake hazard mitigation:

  • Receives, analyzes, maintains, and distributes data on earthquake activity worldwide. Satellites link our National Earthquake Information Center in Golden, Colorado to a network of seismograph stations. These stations, located throughout the world, are maintained by the U.S. Geological Survey, State geological surveys, universities, research institutions, and foreign governments.

  • Provides rapid notification of earthquake events to civil defense and government officials in the affected area, and to the public through the news media.

  • Produces regional assessments of earthquake hazards in conjunction with State and local governments. This information is used by: local planners and building officials in setting appropriate building and retrofitting standards in an area government and civil defense officials in planning for disaster recovery professionals conducting detailed site assessments researchers engaged in basic and applied research.

  • Engages in basic research to learn more about the nature of earthquake activity.

  • Provides education on earthquake hazards and safety to the public by publishing and distributing literature, and through a variety of other outreach efforts.

Related Content

link
2014 USGS National Seismic Hazard Map, displaying intensity of potential ground shaking from an earthquake in 50 years (which i

What is seismic hazard? What is a seismic hazard map? How are they made? How are they used? Why are there different maps, and which one should I use?

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 earthquakesThe behavior of seismic waves as they travel through different parts of the U.S. crustThe near-surface site conditions at specific locations of...

link

What is seismic hazard? What is a seismic hazard map? How are they made? How are they used? Why are there different maps, and which one should I use?

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 earthquakesThe behavior of seismic waves as they travel through different parts of the U.S. crustThe near-surface site conditions at specific locations of...

Learn More
link
USGS scientists conduct passive seismic study in the Washita Reach 1 study area.

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...

link

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...

Learn More
link
2014 South Napa Earthquake in California

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...

link

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...

Learn More
link
Damage to buildings in Cushing, Oklahoma from the magnitude 5.0 earthquake on November 6, 2016

How will my house hold up in an earthquake? Can the USGS send someone out to evaluate my property?

Published maps will only provide generalized, uninterpreted information about specific areas. Every property consists of a unique combination of geologic and structural factors that must be considered to determine what might happen to a house during an earthquake. Therefore, an individual site study is necessary. Geologic factors include: type of underlying material, depth to bedrock, depth of...

link

How will my house hold up in an earthquake? Can the USGS send someone out to evaluate my property?

Published maps will only provide generalized, uninterpreted information about specific areas. Every property consists of a unique combination of geologic and structural factors that must be considered to determine what might happen to a house during an earthquake. Therefore, an individual site study is necessary. Geologic factors include: type of underlying material, depth to bedrock, depth of...

Learn More
link
Damage to a house from and earthquake

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 faultsseismic history of the region (frequency of earthquakes)time since last earthquakebuilding construction (type of building and foundation)architectural layoutmaterials usedquality of workmanshipextent to which earthquake resistance was considered by the...

link

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 faultsseismic history of the region (frequency of earthquakes)time since last earthquakebuilding construction (type of building and foundation)architectural layoutmaterials usedquality of workmanshipextent to which earthquake resistance was considered by the...

Learn More
link
Image: Damaged Building

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...

link

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...

Learn More
link
USGS map displaying seismic events in 2015 and 2016 in the central and eastern U.S.

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...

link

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...

Learn More
link
Map depicting more than 100 aftershocks that have occurred since the magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Nepal on April 25, 2015. To dat

What is the probability that an earthquake is a foreshock to a larger earthquake?

Worldwide the probability that an earthquake will be followed within 3 days by a large earthquake nearby is somewhere just over 6%. In California, that probability is about 6%. This means that there is about a 94% chance that any earthquake will NOT be a foreshock. In California, about half of the biggest earthquakes were preceded by foreshocks; the other half were not. At this time, we cannot...

link

What is the probability that an earthquake is a foreshock to a larger earthquake?

Worldwide the probability that an earthquake will be followed within 3 days by a large earthquake nearby is somewhere just over 6%. In California, that probability is about 6%. This means that there is about a 94% chance that any earthquake will NOT be a foreshock. In California, about half of the biggest earthquakes were preceded by foreshocks; the other half were not. At this time, we cannot...

Learn More
link
3D perspective view of the likelihood that each region of California will experience a magnitude 6.7 within 30 years

What is the probability that an earthquake will occur in the Los Angeles Area? In the San Francisco Bay area?  

Los Angeles area:Within the next 30 years the probability is:60% that an earthquake measuring magnitude 6.746% that an earthquake measuring magnitude 731% that an earthquake measuring magnitude 7.5will occur in the Los Angeles region.San Francisco Bay area:Within the next 30 years the probability is:72% that an earthquake measuring magnitude 6.751% that an earthquake measuring magnitude 720% that...

link

What is the probability that an earthquake will occur in the Los Angeles Area? In the San Francisco Bay area?  

Los Angeles area:Within the next 30 years the probability is:60% that an earthquake measuring magnitude 6.746% that an earthquake measuring magnitude 731% that an earthquake measuring magnitude 7.5will occur in the Los Angeles region.San Francisco Bay area:Within the next 30 years the probability is:72% that an earthquake measuring magnitude 6.751% that an earthquake measuring magnitude 720% that...

Learn More
link
Map depicting difference in USGS estimates of earthquake hazards from 2002 and 2014

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...

link

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...

Learn More
link
USGS map displaying potential to experience damage from a natural or human-induced earthquake in 2017

Can the National Seismic Hazard Maps be used as an earthquake forecast tool for the near future?

Not really. The USGS Seismic Hazard Maps website and the Unified Hazard Tool (for building custom maps) are designed to display the probability of different events that might occur in a several-year to several-decade period. The model bases all probability estimates on the average rate of earthquakes over long periods of time.As you shorten the time window, you should expect greater and greater...

link

Can the National Seismic Hazard Maps be used as an earthquake forecast tool for the near future?

Not really. The USGS Seismic Hazard Maps website and the Unified Hazard Tool (for building custom maps) are designed to display the probability of different events that might occur in a several-year to several-decade period. The model bases all probability estimates on the average rate of earthquakes over long periods of time.As you shorten the time window, you should expect greater and greater...

Learn More
link
Image: Mw6.6 Lushan China Earthquake, April 20 2013

How do I get earthquake hazard maps for locations outside of the U.S.?

We know of no current "zone" designations for sites outside of the United States. For locations outside the United States for which seismic design is required for military facilities, there exists a standard based on probabilistic spectral ordinates in the manner of the International Building Code and are declared to reflect the 2015 version of that code. These spectral ordinates can be found in...

link

How do I get earthquake hazard maps for locations outside of the U.S.?

We know of no current "zone" designations for sites outside of the United States. For locations outside the United States for which seismic design is required for military facilities, there exists a standard based on probabilistic spectral ordinates in the manner of the International Building Code and are declared to reflect the 2015 version of that code. These spectral ordinates can be found in...

Learn More
link
link
Earthquake Road Damage
link
USGS Forecast for Ground Shaking Intensity from Natural and Induced Earthquakes in 2017
link
link
link
Image: Installing Antenna and Solar Panel for Seismic Station
link
Image: Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
link
Image: Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
link
Ground view of collapsed building and burned area, Beach and Divisadero Sts., Marina District.
link
Global Seismographic Network illustration
link

Science for a risky world—A U.S. Geological Survey plan for risk research and applications

Executive SummaryNatural hazards—including earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, landslides, hurricanes, droughts, floods, wildfires, geomagnetic storms, and pandemics—can wreak havoc on human communities, the economy, and natural resources for years following an initial event. Hazards can claim lives and cause billions of dollars in damage to homes and infrastructure as well as lost or compr
By
Natural Hazards

The HayWired Earthquake Scenario

ForewordThe 1906 Great San Francisco earthquake (magnitude 7.8) and the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake (magnitude 6.9) each motivated residents of the San Francisco Bay region to build countermeasures to earthquakes into the fabric of the region. Since Loma Prieta, bay-region communities, governments, and utilities have invested tens of billions of dollars in seismic upgrades and retrofits and replac
By
Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards, Science Application for Risk Reduction, Earthquake Science Center

United States Geological Survey (USGS) Natural Hazards Response

The primary goal of U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Natural Hazards Response is to ensure that the disaster response community has access to timely, accurate, and relevant geospatial products, imagery, and services during and after an emergency event. To accomplish this goal, products and services provided by the National Geospatial Program (NGP) and Land Remote Sensing (LRS) Program serve as a geos
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Emergency Operations Portal

The Global Seismographic Network

By
Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards, Geologic Hazards Science Center

The ShakeOut Scenario

This is the initial publication of the results of a cooperative project to examine the implications of a major earthquake in southern California. The study comprised eight counties: Imperial, Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura. Its results will be used as the basis of an emergency response and preparedness exercise, the Great Southern California ShakeOut,
By
Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards, Science Application for Risk Reduction, Earthquake Science Center

The Hayward Fault— Is it due for a repeat of the powerful 1868 earthquake?

On October 21, 1868, a magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck the San Francisco Bay region. Although the region was then sparsely populated, this quake on the Hayward Fault was one of the most destructive in California's history. Recent studies show that such powerful Hayward Fault quakes have repeatedly jolted the region in the past. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists describe this fault as a tect
By
Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards, Earthquake Science Center

Earthquake hazards: a national threat

Earthquakes are one of the most costly natural hazards faced by the Nation, posing a significant risk to 75 million Americans in 39 States. The risks that earthquakes pose to society, including death, injury, and economic loss, can be greatly reduced by (1) better planning, construction, and mitigation practices before earthquakes happen, and (2) providing critical and timely information to improv

Monitoring earthquake shaking in federal buildings

The USGS Earthquake Hazards Program - investing in a safer future

ANSS-Advanced National Seismic System

USGS National Seismic Hazard Maps

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) recently completed new probabilistic seismic hazard maps for the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. These hazard maps form the basis of the probabilistic component of the design maps used in the 1997 edition of the NEHRP Recommended Provisions for Seismic Regulations for New Buildings and Other Structures, prepared by the Building Seismic Safety Council a
link

USGS provides update for the National Seismic Hazard Model

USGS experts recently released a study that incorporates the latest earthquake science findings into an update of the National Seismic Hazard Model...

Read Article
link

East vs West Coast Earthquakes

Why was an earthquake in Virginia felt at more than twice the distance than a similar-sized earthquake in California? The answer is one that many...

Read Article
link

New Audiences, New Products for the National Seismic Hazard Maps

New Audiences, New Products for the National Seismic Hazard Maps
Read Article

Related Content

  • FAQ
    link
    2014 USGS National Seismic Hazard Map, displaying intensity of potential ground shaking from an earthquake in 50 years (which i

    What is seismic hazard? What is a seismic hazard map? How are they made? How are they used? Why are there different maps, and which one should I use?

    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 earthquakesThe behavior of seismic waves as they travel through different parts of the U.S. crustThe near-surface site conditions at specific locations of...

    link

    What is seismic hazard? What is a seismic hazard map? How are they made? How are they used? Why are there different maps, and which one should I use?

    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 earthquakesThe behavior of seismic waves as they travel through different parts of the U.S. crustThe near-surface site conditions at specific locations of...

    Learn More
    link
    USGS scientists conduct passive seismic study in the Washita Reach 1 study area.

    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...

    link

    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...

    Learn More
    link
    2014 South Napa Earthquake in California

    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...

    link

    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...

    Learn More
    link
    Damage to buildings in Cushing, Oklahoma from the magnitude 5.0 earthquake on November 6, 2016

    How will my house hold up in an earthquake? Can the USGS send someone out to evaluate my property?

    Published maps will only provide generalized, uninterpreted information about specific areas. Every property consists of a unique combination of geologic and structural factors that must be considered to determine what might happen to a house during an earthquake. Therefore, an individual site study is necessary. Geologic factors include: type of underlying material, depth to bedrock, depth of...

    link

    How will my house hold up in an earthquake? Can the USGS send someone out to evaluate my property?

    Published maps will only provide generalized, uninterpreted information about specific areas. Every property consists of a unique combination of geologic and structural factors that must be considered to determine what might happen to a house during an earthquake. Therefore, an individual site study is necessary. Geologic factors include: type of underlying material, depth to bedrock, depth of...

    Learn More
    link
    Damage to a house from and earthquake

    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 faultsseismic history of the region (frequency of earthquakes)time since last earthquakebuilding construction (type of building and foundation)architectural layoutmaterials usedquality of workmanshipextent to which earthquake resistance was considered by the...

    link

    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 faultsseismic history of the region (frequency of earthquakes)time since last earthquakebuilding construction (type of building and foundation)architectural layoutmaterials usedquality of workmanshipextent to which earthquake resistance was considered by the...

    Learn More
    link
    Image: Damaged Building

    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...

    link

    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...

    Learn More
    link
    USGS map displaying seismic events in 2015 and 2016 in the central and eastern U.S.

    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...

    link

    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...

    Learn More
    link
    Map depicting more than 100 aftershocks that have occurred since the magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Nepal on April 25, 2015. To dat

    What is the probability that an earthquake is a foreshock to a larger earthquake?

    Worldwide the probability that an earthquake will be followed within 3 days by a large earthquake nearby is somewhere just over 6%. In California, that probability is about 6%. This means that there is about a 94% chance that any earthquake will NOT be a foreshock. In California, about half of the biggest earthquakes were preceded by foreshocks; the other half were not. At this time, we cannot...

    link

    What is the probability that an earthquake is a foreshock to a larger earthquake?

    Worldwide the probability that an earthquake will be followed within 3 days by a large earthquake nearby is somewhere just over 6%. In California, that probability is about 6%. This means that there is about a 94% chance that any earthquake will NOT be a foreshock. In California, about half of the biggest earthquakes were preceded by foreshocks; the other half were not. At this time, we cannot...

    Learn More
    link
    3D perspective view of the likelihood that each region of California will experience a magnitude 6.7 within 30 years

    What is the probability that an earthquake will occur in the Los Angeles Area? In the San Francisco Bay area?  

    Los Angeles area:Within the next 30 years the probability is:60% that an earthquake measuring magnitude 6.746% that an earthquake measuring magnitude 731% that an earthquake measuring magnitude 7.5will occur in the Los Angeles region.San Francisco Bay area:Within the next 30 years the probability is:72% that an earthquake measuring magnitude 6.751% that an earthquake measuring magnitude 720% that...

    link

    What is the probability that an earthquake will occur in the Los Angeles Area? In the San Francisco Bay area?  

    Los Angeles area:Within the next 30 years the probability is:60% that an earthquake measuring magnitude 6.746% that an earthquake measuring magnitude 731% that an earthquake measuring magnitude 7.5will occur in the Los Angeles region.San Francisco Bay area:Within the next 30 years the probability is:72% that an earthquake measuring magnitude 6.751% that an earthquake measuring magnitude 720% that...

    Learn More
    link
    Map depicting difference in USGS estimates of earthquake hazards from 2002 and 2014

    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...

    link

    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...

    Learn More
    link
    USGS map displaying potential to experience damage from a natural or human-induced earthquake in 2017

    Can the National Seismic Hazard Maps be used as an earthquake forecast tool for the near future?

    Not really. The USGS Seismic Hazard Maps website and the Unified Hazard Tool (for building custom maps) are designed to display the probability of different events that might occur in a several-year to several-decade period. The model bases all probability estimates on the average rate of earthquakes over long periods of time.As you shorten the time window, you should expect greater and greater...

    link

    Can the National Seismic Hazard Maps be used as an earthquake forecast tool for the near future?

    Not really. The USGS Seismic Hazard Maps website and the Unified Hazard Tool (for building custom maps) are designed to display the probability of different events that might occur in a several-year to several-decade period. The model bases all probability estimates on the average rate of earthquakes over long periods of time.As you shorten the time window, you should expect greater and greater...

    Learn More
    link
    Image: Mw6.6 Lushan China Earthquake, April 20 2013

    How do I get earthquake hazard maps for locations outside of the U.S.?

    We know of no current "zone" designations for sites outside of the United States. For locations outside the United States for which seismic design is required for military facilities, there exists a standard based on probabilistic spectral ordinates in the manner of the International Building Code and are declared to reflect the 2015 version of that code. These spectral ordinates can be found in...

    link

    How do I get earthquake hazard maps for locations outside of the U.S.?

    We know of no current "zone" designations for sites outside of the United States. For locations outside the United States for which seismic design is required for military facilities, there exists a standard based on probabilistic spectral ordinates in the manner of the International Building Code and are declared to reflect the 2015 version of that code. These spectral ordinates can be found in...

    Learn More
  • Multimedia
    link
    link
    Earthquake Road Damage
    link
    USGS Forecast for Ground Shaking Intensity from Natural and Induced Earthquakes in 2017
    link
    link
    link
    Image: Installing Antenna and Solar Panel for Seismic Station
    link
    Image: Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
    link
    Image: Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
    link
    Ground view of collapsed building and burned area, Beach and Divisadero Sts., Marina District.
    link
    Global Seismographic Network illustration
    link
  • Publications

    Science for a risky world—A U.S. Geological Survey plan for risk research and applications

    Executive SummaryNatural hazards—including earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, landslides, hurricanes, droughts, floods, wildfires, geomagnetic storms, and pandemics—can wreak havoc on human communities, the economy, and natural resources for years following an initial event. Hazards can claim lives and cause billions of dollars in damage to homes and infrastructure as well as lost or compr
    By
    Natural Hazards

    The HayWired Earthquake Scenario

    ForewordThe 1906 Great San Francisco earthquake (magnitude 7.8) and the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake (magnitude 6.9) each motivated residents of the San Francisco Bay region to build countermeasures to earthquakes into the fabric of the region. Since Loma Prieta, bay-region communities, governments, and utilities have invested tens of billions of dollars in seismic upgrades and retrofits and replac
    By
    Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards, Science Application for Risk Reduction, Earthquake Science Center

    United States Geological Survey (USGS) Natural Hazards Response

    The primary goal of U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Natural Hazards Response is to ensure that the disaster response community has access to timely, accurate, and relevant geospatial products, imagery, and services during and after an emergency event. To accomplish this goal, products and services provided by the National Geospatial Program (NGP) and Land Remote Sensing (LRS) Program serve as a geos
    By
    Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Emergency Operations Portal

    The Global Seismographic Network

    By
    Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards, Geologic Hazards Science Center

    The ShakeOut Scenario

    This is the initial publication of the results of a cooperative project to examine the implications of a major earthquake in southern California. The study comprised eight counties: Imperial, Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura. Its results will be used as the basis of an emergency response and preparedness exercise, the Great Southern California ShakeOut,
    By
    Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards, Science Application for Risk Reduction, Earthquake Science Center

    The Hayward Fault— Is it due for a repeat of the powerful 1868 earthquake?

    On October 21, 1868, a magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck the San Francisco Bay region. Although the region was then sparsely populated, this quake on the Hayward Fault was one of the most destructive in California's history. Recent studies show that such powerful Hayward Fault quakes have repeatedly jolted the region in the past. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists describe this fault as a tect
    By
    Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards, Earthquake Science Center

    Earthquake hazards: a national threat

    Earthquakes are one of the most costly natural hazards faced by the Nation, posing a significant risk to 75 million Americans in 39 States. The risks that earthquakes pose to society, including death, injury, and economic loss, can be greatly reduced by (1) better planning, construction, and mitigation practices before earthquakes happen, and (2) providing critical and timely information to improv

    Monitoring earthquake shaking in federal buildings

    The USGS Earthquake Hazards Program - investing in a safer future

    ANSS-Advanced National Seismic System

    USGS National Seismic Hazard Maps

    The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) recently completed new probabilistic seismic hazard maps for the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. These hazard maps form the basis of the probabilistic component of the design maps used in the 1997 edition of the NEHRP Recommended Provisions for Seismic Regulations for New Buildings and Other Structures, prepared by the Building Seismic Safety Council a
  • News
    link

    USGS provides update for the National Seismic Hazard Model

    USGS experts recently released a study that incorporates the latest earthquake science findings into an update of the National Seismic Hazard Model...

    Read Article
    link

    East vs West Coast Earthquakes

    Why was an earthquake in Virginia felt at more than twice the distance than a similar-sized earthquake in California? The answer is one that many...

    Read Article
    link

    New Audiences, New Products for the National Seismic Hazard Maps

    New Audiences, New Products for the National Seismic Hazard Maps
    Read Article