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Why do earthquakes in other countries seem to cause more damage and casualties than earthquakes in the U.S.?

There is more damage and more deaths from earthquakes in other parts of the world primarily because of buildings which are poorly designed and constructed for earthquake regions, and population density.

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Potential earthquake map shaking

At what magnitude does damage begin to occur in an earthquake?

It isn't that simple. There is not one magnitude above which damage will occur. It depends on other variables, such as the distance from the earthquake, what type of soil you are on, etc. That being said, damage does not usually occur until the earthquake magnitude reaches somewhere above 4 or 5.Learn more: Earthquake Magnitude, Energy Release, and Shaking Intensity

link

At what magnitude does damage begin to occur in an earthquake?

It isn't that simple. There is not one magnitude above which damage will occur. It depends on other variables, such as the distance from the earthquake, what type of soil you are on, etc. That being said, damage does not usually occur until the earthquake magnitude reaches somewhere above 4 or 5.Learn more: Earthquake Magnitude, Energy Release, and Shaking Intensity

Learn More
link
2014 South Napa Earthquake in California

What does an earthquake feel like?

The way an earthquake feels depends on where you are, where the earthquake is, and how big the earthquake is:A large earthquake nearby will feel like a sudden large jolt followed quickly by more strong shaking that may last a few seconds or up to a couple of minutes if it's a rare great event. The shaking will feel violent and it will be difficult to stand up. The contents of your house will be a...

link

What does an earthquake feel like?

The way an earthquake feels depends on where you are, where the earthquake is, and how big the earthquake is:A large earthquake nearby will feel like a sudden large jolt followed quickly by more strong shaking that may last a few seconds or up to a couple of minutes if it's a rare great event. The shaking will feel violent and it will be difficult to stand up. The contents of your house will be a...

Learn More
link
Airplane at McChord AFB

What are those booms I sometimes hear before or during an earthquake?

"Booms" have been reported for a long time, and they tend to occur more in the Northeastern US and along the East Coast. Of course, most "booms" that people hear or experience are actually some type of cultural noise, such as some type of explosion, a large vehicle going by, or sometimes a sonic boom, but there have been many reports of "booms" that cannot be explained by man-made sources. No one...

link

What are those booms I sometimes hear before or during an earthquake?

"Booms" have been reported for a long time, and they tend to occur more in the Northeastern US and along the East Coast. Of course, most "booms" that people hear or experience are actually some type of cultural noise, such as some type of explosion, a large vehicle going by, or sometimes a sonic boom, but there have been many reports of "booms" that cannot be explained by man-made sources. No one...

Learn More
link
Image: Damage in Residential Area

How can an earthquake affect groundwater or changes in wells?

Groundwater levels in wells may oscillate up and down while seismic waves pass, and in some cases, the water level may remain higher or lower for a period of time after the seismic wavetrain has ended.Learn more:Groundwater Effects from EarthquakesGroundwater Response to Earthquakes

link

How can an earthquake affect groundwater or changes in wells?

Groundwater levels in wells may oscillate up and down while seismic waves pass, and in some cases, the water level may remain higher or lower for a period of time after the seismic wavetrain has ended.Learn more:Groundwater Effects from EarthquakesGroundwater Response to Earthquakes

Learn More
link
Devastation of 1906 San Francisco Earthquake

Where can I find photographs of earthquake damage?

Two sources for photographs that show earthquake damage are:Earthquake Hazards Program - Earthquake Photo CollectionsU.S. Geological Survey Photographic Library (see 'earthquakes' in the categories left column)

link

Where can I find photographs of earthquake damage?

Two sources for photographs that show earthquake damage are:Earthquake Hazards Program - Earthquake Photo CollectionsU.S. Geological Survey Photographic Library (see 'earthquakes' in the categories left column)

Learn More
link
photo of sand blow on top and illustration of layers and fissure on bottom

What is liquefaction?

Liquefaction takes place when loosely packed, water-logged sediments at or near the ground surface lose their strength in response to strong ground shaking. Liquefaction occurring beneath buildings and other structures can cause major damage during earthquakes. For example, the 1964 Niigata earthquake caused widespread liquefaction in Niigata, Japan which destroyed many buildings. Also, during the...

link

What is liquefaction?

Liquefaction takes place when loosely packed, water-logged sediments at or near the ground surface lose their strength in response to strong ground shaking. Liquefaction occurring beneath buildings and other structures can cause major damage during earthquakes. For example, the 1964 Niigata earthquake caused widespread liquefaction in Niigata, Japan which destroyed many buildings. Also, during the...

Learn More
link
Image: Natural Entrance at Carlsbad Caverns

Can you feel an earthquake if you're in a cave? Is it safer to be in a cave during an earthquake?

There is nothing different about a cave that would make it immune to the shaking from an earthquake. Just as there are safer and less safe places to be on the surface of the earth during an earthquake, there are also various characteristics inside caves that make some cave locations safer or less safe than others. First of all, whether or not you feel an earthquake in a cave depends chiefly upon...

link

Can you feel an earthquake if you're in a cave? Is it safer to be in a cave during an earthquake?

There is nothing different about a cave that would make it immune to the shaking from an earthquake. Just as there are safer and less safe places to be on the surface of the earth during an earthquake, there are also various characteristics inside caves that make some cave locations safer or less safe than others. First of all, whether or not you feel an earthquake in a cave depends chiefly upon...

Learn More
link
Aurora

What are earthquake lights?

Phenomena such as sheet lightning, balls of light, streamers, and steady glows, reported in association with earthquakes are called earthquake lights (EQL). Geophysicists differ on the extent to which they think that individual reports of unusual lighting near the time and epicenter of an earthquake actually represent EQL: some doubt that any of the reports constitute solid evidence for EQL...

link

What are earthquake lights?

Phenomena such as sheet lightning, balls of light, streamers, and steady glows, reported in association with earthquakes are called earthquake lights (EQL). Geophysicists differ on the extent to which they think that individual reports of unusual lighting near the time and epicenter of an earthquake actually represent EQL: some doubt that any of the reports constitute solid evidence for EQL...

Learn More
link
geocoded Did You Feel It? responses for a sonic boom off the coast of New Jersey on January 28, 2016

How does the USGS tell the difference between an earthquake and a sonic boom?

Steps to identification of a sonic boom:The USGS sees either nothing on our seismic records or a fairly short high-frequency signal that doesn't look like an earthquake.On rare occasions, we see the event on multiple stations, and the time difference between stations matches the speed of sound in air, which is slower than the speed of seismic waves in rock.Felt reports come from a wide area, which...

link

How does the USGS tell the difference between an earthquake and a sonic boom?

Steps to identification of a sonic boom:The USGS sees either nothing on our seismic records or a fairly short high-frequency signal that doesn't look like an earthquake.On rare occasions, we see the event on multiple stations, and the time difference between stations matches the speed of sound in air, which is slower than the speed of seismic waves in rock.Felt reports come from a wide area, which...

Learn More
Damage to Monuments in Nepal
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Image: USGS Rapid Response to Haiti
link
Image: USGS Rapid Response to Haiti
link
Image: Damage from 2008 Great Sichuan Earthquake in China
link
Image: Collapsed Building
link
Image: Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
link
1906 San Francisco Earthquake Damage with Family in Foreground
link
Villagers in Kerauja, Nepal standing below a large rock slide
link
Catastrophic Earthquakes – In a Crowded World Public Lecture Flyer
link

Using structural damage statistics to derive macroseismic intensity within the Kathmandu valley for the 2015 M7.8 Gorkha, Nepal earthquake

We make and analyze structural damage observations from within the Kathmandu valley following the 2015 M7.8 Gorkha, Nepal earthquake to derive macroseismic intensities at several locations including some located near ground motion recording sites. The macroseismic intensity estimates supplement the limited strong ground motion data in order to characterize the damage statistics. This augmentation
By
Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards, Geologic Hazards Science Center

Strong ground motion in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, during the M7.0 12 January 2010 Haiti earthquake

No strong motion records are available for the 12 January 2010 M7.0 Haiti earthquake. We use aftershock recordings as well as detailed considerations of damage to estimate the severity and distribution of mainshock shaking in Port-au-Prince. Relative to ground motions at a hard - rock reference site, peak accelerations are amplified by a factor of approximately 2 at sites on low-lying deposits in
By
Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards, Earthquake Science Center

Assessment of existing and potential landslide hazards resulting from the April 25, 2015 Gorkha, Nepal earthquake sequence

Introduction On April 25, 2015, a large (M7.8) earthquake shook much of central Nepal and was followed by a series of M>6 aftershocks, including a M7.3 event on May 12, 2015. This earthquake and aftershocks, referred to as the “Gorkha earthquake sequence,” caused thousands of fatalities, damaged and destroyed entire villages, and displaced millions of residents. The earthquakes also triggered thou
By
Energy and Minerals, Natural Hazards, Energy Resources Program, Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, Landslide Hazards, Mineral Resources Program, National Laboratories Program, Science and Decisions Center, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center

The severity of an earthquake

The severity of an earthquake can be expressed in terms of both intensity and magnitude. However, the two terms are quite different, and they are often confused. Intensity is based on the observed effects of ground shaking on people, buildings, and natural features. It varies from place to place within the disturbed region depending on the location of the observer with respect to the earthquake ep

Putting down roots in earthquake country-Your handbook for earthquakes in the Central United States

This handbook provides information to residents of the Central United States about the threat of earthquakes in that area, particularly along the New Madrid seismic zone, and explains how to prepare for, survive, and recover from such events. It explains the need for concern about earthquakes for those residents and describes what one can expect during and after an earthquake. Much is known about
By
Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards, Geologic Hazards Science Center

Long-period building response to earthquakes in the San Francisco Bay Area

This article reports a study of modeled, long-period building responses to ground-motion simulations of earthquakes in the San Francisco Bay Area. The earthquakes include the 1989 magnitude 6.9 Loma Prieta earthquake, a magnitude 7.8 simulation of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, and two hypothetical magnitude 7.8 northern San Andreas fault earthquakes with hypocenters north and south of San Fra

Putting down roots in earthquake country: Your handbook for the San Francisco Bay region

This handbook provides information about the threat posed by earthquakes in the San Francisco Bay region and explains how you can prepare for, survive, and recover from these inevitable events. If you live or work in the region, you need to know why you should be concerned with earthquakes, what you can expect during and after a quake, and what you need to do beforehand to be safe and reduce damag

Earthquake damage to transportation systems

Earthquakes represent one of the most destructive natural hazards known to man. A large magnitude earthquake near a populated area can affect residents over thousands of square kilometers and cause billions of dollars in property damage. Such an event can kill or injure thousands of residents and disrupt the socioeconomic environment for months, sometimes years. A serious result of a large-magn

Earthquake damage to schools

These unusual slides show earthquake damage to school and university buildings around the world. They graphically illustrate the potential danger to our schools, and to the welfare of our children, that results from major earthquakes. The slides range from Algeria, where a collapsed school roof is held up only by students' desks; to Anchorage, Alaska, where an elementary school structure has spl
link

South Napa Earthquake – One Year Later

One year ago, the largest earthquake in over 25 years hit the San Francisco Bay Area, causing significant damage in California’s famous Napa Valley...

Read Article
link

6 Facts about Human-Caused Earthquakes

The central United States has undergone a dramatic increase in seismicity over the past 6 years. From 1973-2008, there was an average of 24...

Read Article
link

20 Years After Northridge Quake, Buildings Remain Vulnerable

Twenty years ago this week an earthquake struck Northridge, Calif., killing 57 people and revealing a serious defect in a common type of mid-rise...
Read Article

Related Content

  • FAQ
    link
    Potential earthquake map shaking

    At what magnitude does damage begin to occur in an earthquake?

    It isn't that simple. There is not one magnitude above which damage will occur. It depends on other variables, such as the distance from the earthquake, what type of soil you are on, etc. That being said, damage does not usually occur until the earthquake magnitude reaches somewhere above 4 or 5.Learn more: Earthquake Magnitude, Energy Release, and Shaking Intensity

    link

    At what magnitude does damage begin to occur in an earthquake?

    It isn't that simple. There is not one magnitude above which damage will occur. It depends on other variables, such as the distance from the earthquake, what type of soil you are on, etc. That being said, damage does not usually occur until the earthquake magnitude reaches somewhere above 4 or 5.Learn more: Earthquake Magnitude, Energy Release, and Shaking Intensity

    Learn More
    link
    2014 South Napa Earthquake in California

    What does an earthquake feel like?

    The way an earthquake feels depends on where you are, where the earthquake is, and how big the earthquake is:A large earthquake nearby will feel like a sudden large jolt followed quickly by more strong shaking that may last a few seconds or up to a couple of minutes if it's a rare great event. The shaking will feel violent and it will be difficult to stand up. The contents of your house will be a...

    link

    What does an earthquake feel like?

    The way an earthquake feels depends on where you are, where the earthquake is, and how big the earthquake is:A large earthquake nearby will feel like a sudden large jolt followed quickly by more strong shaking that may last a few seconds or up to a couple of minutes if it's a rare great event. The shaking will feel violent and it will be difficult to stand up. The contents of your house will be a...

    Learn More
    link
    Airplane at McChord AFB

    What are those booms I sometimes hear before or during an earthquake?

    "Booms" have been reported for a long time, and they tend to occur more in the Northeastern US and along the East Coast. Of course, most "booms" that people hear or experience are actually some type of cultural noise, such as some type of explosion, a large vehicle going by, or sometimes a sonic boom, but there have been many reports of "booms" that cannot be explained by man-made sources. No one...

    link

    What are those booms I sometimes hear before or during an earthquake?

    "Booms" have been reported for a long time, and they tend to occur more in the Northeastern US and along the East Coast. Of course, most "booms" that people hear or experience are actually some type of cultural noise, such as some type of explosion, a large vehicle going by, or sometimes a sonic boom, but there have been many reports of "booms" that cannot be explained by man-made sources. No one...

    Learn More
    link
    Image: Damage in Residential Area

    How can an earthquake affect groundwater or changes in wells?

    Groundwater levels in wells may oscillate up and down while seismic waves pass, and in some cases, the water level may remain higher or lower for a period of time after the seismic wavetrain has ended.Learn more:Groundwater Effects from EarthquakesGroundwater Response to Earthquakes

    link

    How can an earthquake affect groundwater or changes in wells?

    Groundwater levels in wells may oscillate up and down while seismic waves pass, and in some cases, the water level may remain higher or lower for a period of time after the seismic wavetrain has ended.Learn more:Groundwater Effects from EarthquakesGroundwater Response to Earthquakes

    Learn More
    link
    Devastation of 1906 San Francisco Earthquake

    Where can I find photographs of earthquake damage?

    Two sources for photographs that show earthquake damage are:Earthquake Hazards Program - Earthquake Photo CollectionsU.S. Geological Survey Photographic Library (see 'earthquakes' in the categories left column)

    link

    Where can I find photographs of earthquake damage?

    Two sources for photographs that show earthquake damage are:Earthquake Hazards Program - Earthquake Photo CollectionsU.S. Geological Survey Photographic Library (see 'earthquakes' in the categories left column)

    Learn More
    link
    photo of sand blow on top and illustration of layers and fissure on bottom

    What is liquefaction?

    Liquefaction takes place when loosely packed, water-logged sediments at or near the ground surface lose their strength in response to strong ground shaking. Liquefaction occurring beneath buildings and other structures can cause major damage during earthquakes. For example, the 1964 Niigata earthquake caused widespread liquefaction in Niigata, Japan which destroyed many buildings. Also, during the...

    link

    What is liquefaction?

    Liquefaction takes place when loosely packed, water-logged sediments at or near the ground surface lose their strength in response to strong ground shaking. Liquefaction occurring beneath buildings and other structures can cause major damage during earthquakes. For example, the 1964 Niigata earthquake caused widespread liquefaction in Niigata, Japan which destroyed many buildings. Also, during the...

    Learn More
    link
    Image: Natural Entrance at Carlsbad Caverns

    Can you feel an earthquake if you're in a cave? Is it safer to be in a cave during an earthquake?

    There is nothing different about a cave that would make it immune to the shaking from an earthquake. Just as there are safer and less safe places to be on the surface of the earth during an earthquake, there are also various characteristics inside caves that make some cave locations safer or less safe than others. First of all, whether or not you feel an earthquake in a cave depends chiefly upon...

    link

    Can you feel an earthquake if you're in a cave? Is it safer to be in a cave during an earthquake?

    There is nothing different about a cave that would make it immune to the shaking from an earthquake. Just as there are safer and less safe places to be on the surface of the earth during an earthquake, there are also various characteristics inside caves that make some cave locations safer or less safe than others. First of all, whether or not you feel an earthquake in a cave depends chiefly upon...

    Learn More
    link
    Aurora

    What are earthquake lights?

    Phenomena such as sheet lightning, balls of light, streamers, and steady glows, reported in association with earthquakes are called earthquake lights (EQL). Geophysicists differ on the extent to which they think that individual reports of unusual lighting near the time and epicenter of an earthquake actually represent EQL: some doubt that any of the reports constitute solid evidence for EQL...

    link

    What are earthquake lights?

    Phenomena such as sheet lightning, balls of light, streamers, and steady glows, reported in association with earthquakes are called earthquake lights (EQL). Geophysicists differ on the extent to which they think that individual reports of unusual lighting near the time and epicenter of an earthquake actually represent EQL: some doubt that any of the reports constitute solid evidence for EQL...

    Learn More
    link
    geocoded Did You Feel It? responses for a sonic boom off the coast of New Jersey on January 28, 2016

    How does the USGS tell the difference between an earthquake and a sonic boom?

    Steps to identification of a sonic boom:The USGS sees either nothing on our seismic records or a fairly short high-frequency signal that doesn't look like an earthquake.On rare occasions, we see the event on multiple stations, and the time difference between stations matches the speed of sound in air, which is slower than the speed of seismic waves in rock.Felt reports come from a wide area, which...

    link

    How does the USGS tell the difference between an earthquake and a sonic boom?

    Steps to identification of a sonic boom:The USGS sees either nothing on our seismic records or a fairly short high-frequency signal that doesn't look like an earthquake.On rare occasions, we see the event on multiple stations, and the time difference between stations matches the speed of sound in air, which is slower than the speed of seismic waves in rock.Felt reports come from a wide area, which...

    Learn More
  • Multimedia
    Damage to Monuments in Nepal
    link
    Image: USGS Rapid Response to Haiti
    link
    Image: USGS Rapid Response to Haiti
    link
    Image: Damage from 2008 Great Sichuan Earthquake in China
    link
    Image: Collapsed Building
    link
    Image: Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
    link
    1906 San Francisco Earthquake Damage with Family in Foreground
    link
    Villagers in Kerauja, Nepal standing below a large rock slide
    link
    Catastrophic Earthquakes – In a Crowded World Public Lecture Flyer
    link
  • Publications

    Using structural damage statistics to derive macroseismic intensity within the Kathmandu valley for the 2015 M7.8 Gorkha, Nepal earthquake

    We make and analyze structural damage observations from within the Kathmandu valley following the 2015 M7.8 Gorkha, Nepal earthquake to derive macroseismic intensities at several locations including some located near ground motion recording sites. The macroseismic intensity estimates supplement the limited strong ground motion data in order to characterize the damage statistics. This augmentation
    By
    Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards, Geologic Hazards Science Center

    Strong ground motion in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, during the M7.0 12 January 2010 Haiti earthquake

    No strong motion records are available for the 12 January 2010 M7.0 Haiti earthquake. We use aftershock recordings as well as detailed considerations of damage to estimate the severity and distribution of mainshock shaking in Port-au-Prince. Relative to ground motions at a hard - rock reference site, peak accelerations are amplified by a factor of approximately 2 at sites on low-lying deposits in
    By
    Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards, Earthquake Science Center

    Assessment of existing and potential landslide hazards resulting from the April 25, 2015 Gorkha, Nepal earthquake sequence

    Introduction On April 25, 2015, a large (M7.8) earthquake shook much of central Nepal and was followed by a series of M>6 aftershocks, including a M7.3 event on May 12, 2015. This earthquake and aftershocks, referred to as the “Gorkha earthquake sequence,” caused thousands of fatalities, damaged and destroyed entire villages, and displaced millions of residents. The earthquakes also triggered thou
    By
    Energy and Minerals, Natural Hazards, Energy Resources Program, Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, Landslide Hazards, Mineral Resources Program, National Laboratories Program, Science and Decisions Center, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center

    The severity of an earthquake

    The severity of an earthquake can be expressed in terms of both intensity and magnitude. However, the two terms are quite different, and they are often confused. Intensity is based on the observed effects of ground shaking on people, buildings, and natural features. It varies from place to place within the disturbed region depending on the location of the observer with respect to the earthquake ep

    Putting down roots in earthquake country-Your handbook for earthquakes in the Central United States

    This handbook provides information to residents of the Central United States about the threat of earthquakes in that area, particularly along the New Madrid seismic zone, and explains how to prepare for, survive, and recover from such events. It explains the need for concern about earthquakes for those residents and describes what one can expect during and after an earthquake. Much is known about
    By
    Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards, Geologic Hazards Science Center

    Long-period building response to earthquakes in the San Francisco Bay Area

    This article reports a study of modeled, long-period building responses to ground-motion simulations of earthquakes in the San Francisco Bay Area. The earthquakes include the 1989 magnitude 6.9 Loma Prieta earthquake, a magnitude 7.8 simulation of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, and two hypothetical magnitude 7.8 northern San Andreas fault earthquakes with hypocenters north and south of San Fra

    Putting down roots in earthquake country: Your handbook for the San Francisco Bay region

    This handbook provides information about the threat posed by earthquakes in the San Francisco Bay region and explains how you can prepare for, survive, and recover from these inevitable events. If you live or work in the region, you need to know why you should be concerned with earthquakes, what you can expect during and after a quake, and what you need to do beforehand to be safe and reduce damag

    Earthquake damage to transportation systems

    Earthquakes represent one of the most destructive natural hazards known to man. A large magnitude earthquake near a populated area can affect residents over thousands of square kilometers and cause billions of dollars in property damage. Such an event can kill or injure thousands of residents and disrupt the socioeconomic environment for months, sometimes years. A serious result of a large-magn

    Earthquake damage to schools

    These unusual slides show earthquake damage to school and university buildings around the world. They graphically illustrate the potential danger to our schools, and to the welfare of our children, that results from major earthquakes. The slides range from Algeria, where a collapsed school roof is held up only by students' desks; to Anchorage, Alaska, where an elementary school structure has spl
  • News
    link

    South Napa Earthquake – One Year Later

    One year ago, the largest earthquake in over 25 years hit the San Francisco Bay Area, causing significant damage in California’s famous Napa Valley...

    Read Article
    link

    6 Facts about Human-Caused Earthquakes

    The central United States has undergone a dramatic increase in seismicity over the past 6 years. From 1973-2008, there was an average of 24...

    Read Article
    link

    20 Years After Northridge Quake, Buildings Remain Vulnerable

    Twenty years ago this week an earthquake struck Northridge, Calif., killing 57 people and revealing a serious defect in a common type of mid-rise...
    Read Article