Earthquake Hazards Program
News
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 people may not realize. Earthquakes east of the Rocky Mountains can cause noticeable ground shaking at much farther distances than comparably-sized earthquakes in the West.
USGS Rolls Out Groundbreaking Earthquake Study: The HayWired Earthquake Scenario
USGS collaborates with key academic, state, local, and industry partners to provide a new look at what could happen during a major earthquake in the San Francisco Bay Area.
USGS Seeks Earthquake Hazards Research Proposals
Applications due May 22, 2018
Earthquake Early Warning! New Study Examines Safety Potentials and Limits
In a newly published study, U.S. Geological Survey scientists and their partners calculate possible alert times that earthquake early warning systems can provide people at different levels of ground motion from light to very strong shaking.
USGS Authors New Report on Seismic Hazard, Risk, and Design for South America
New seismic hazard and risk assessments can help at-risk communities prepare for future earthquake disasters
Magnitude 7.5 Earthquake, Papua New Guinea
The USGS has up-to-date details on the February 25, 2018 event.
One of the first Black USGS geophysicists, pioneers subsurface research
Early in his college career, U.S. Geological Survey geophysicist Rufus Catchings became drawn to the mysteries that lie beneath the earth’s surface — and was determined to understand them.
Alaska Earthquake Rattles Florida’s Groundwater Plumbing
At 12:32 am Alaska time on January 23, 2018, a magnitude 7.9 earthquake shook Alaska residents out of their beds and set off fears of a tsunami all down the West Coast. Fortunately, the tsunami was only a few inches in height, but within an hour of the earthquake in Alaska, waves of a different sort were hitting far away in Florida.
ShakeAlert: The Path to West Coast Earthquake Early Warning: How a Few Seconds Can Save Lives and Property — Public Lecture
News reporters are invited to attend an illustrated public lecture to learn how U.S. Geological Survey scientists and partners are developing ShakeAlert. The ShakeAlert earthquake early warning system will begin limited operations this year. Alerts could save lives and properties but several challenges remain. With millions at risk, why isn't full public alerting happening yet?
Magnitude 7.9 Earthquake Gulf of Alaska
The USGS has up-to-date details on the January 23, 2018 event.
USGS Scientist Mobilizes with Recon Team to Learn from Mexico's Earthquake Early Warning System
USGS seismologist Elizabeth Cochran studied the performance of Mexico City’s earthquake early warning system, during devastating Sept. 19, 2017 event
Magnitude 4.1 Earthquake near Dover, Delaware
The USGS has up-to-date details on the November 30, 2017 event.