Comparison of earthquake early warning systems and the national volcano early warning system at the U.S. Geological Survey

Introduction

Every year in the United States, natural hazards threaten lives and livelihoods, resulting in thousands of casualties and billions of dollars in damage. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Natural Hazards Mission Area works with many partners to monitor, assess, and research a wide range of natural hazards, including earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. These efforts aim to enhance community preparedness, response, and resilience. The USGS Earthquake Hazards Program (EHP) provides earthquake monitoring and notifications, assesses seismic hazards, and conducts targeted research to reduce the risk of earthquake hazards nationwide. The USGS Volcano Hazards Program (VHP) delivers forecasts, warnings, and information about volcanic hazards based on proactive monitoring of the nation’s active volcanoes and scientific understanding of volcanic processes. The VHP also conducts targeted research on volcanic processes and creates hazards assessments that inform the level of monitoring required at each of the nation’s active volcanoes. Earthquake and volcano early warning systems are essential to disaster risk reduction: they can save lives and reduce property damage by quickly distributing messages and warnings to communities in harm’s way.