Earthquake Hazards Program
News
EarthWord–Hazard
It’s not just something you run into on a golf course-it’s this week’s EarthWord!
The USGS ShakeCast System
Early on the morning of August 24, 2014, Loren Turner was awoken by clattering window blinds, a moving bed, and the sound of water splashing out of his backyard pool. He experienced what is now named the “South Napa Earthquake.”
Hazard a Guess? The riskiest science quiz you will ever take!
Which U.S. State or territory has more large earthquakes than the rest of the United States combined?
Enormous Caribbean Waves Before 1492
Geologists have discovered evidence that unusual seas detached living corals from a Caribbean reef and scattered them far inland, as boulders, during the last centuries before Columbus arrived. The new findings will reinforce precautions against coastal hazards, Caribbean tsunami specialists said.
A Fresh Look at Old Data Sheds Light on Central U.S. Quake Origins and Potential
Small variations in the density of the earth’s crust—undetectable to humans without sensitive instruments—influence where earthquakes may occur in the central United States. These new findings from the U.S. Geological Survey, published today in Nature Communications, may allow scientists to map where future seismicity in the center of the country is most likely.
Community Announcement: USGS Ground Motion Study in the Walnut Creek/Concord Area Looking for Volunteers
The U. S. Geological Survey is seeking volunteers to host temporary seismic stations in the Walnut Creek/Pleasant Hill/Concord California area. Volunteers will be assisting with a new ground motion study that will begin in March 2017.
Hazard a Guess? The riskiest science quiz you will ever take!
What is causing most of the induced earthquakes (aka man-made earthquakes) we’ve seen recently in the central United States?
Some Early 20th Century Earthquakes in Los Angeles Area Might Have Been Man-Made
A new study from the USGS suggests that some early 20th century earthquakes in southern California might have been induced (man-made) by past practices that were used by the oil and gas industry.
Magnitude 6.6 Earthquake in Italy
A magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck Italy on October 30, 2016 at 06:40:19 UTC (7:40 am local time). This is reportedly the largest earthquake in Italy since the magnitude 6.9 Irpinia earthquake struck southern Italy in 1980.
Magnitude 6.1 and 5.5 Italy Earthquakes
A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck Italy on October 26, 2016 at 19:18:08 UTC (9:18 pm local). A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck earlier at 17:10:37 UTC. Numerous smaller aftershocks have also occurred.
Wastewater Disposal Likely Induced February 2016 Magnitude 5.1 Oklahoma Earthquake
Distant wastewater disposal wells likely induced the third largest earthquake in recent Oklahoma record, the Feb. 13, 2016, magnitude 5.1 event roughly 32 kilometers northwest of Fairview, Oklahoma. These findings from the U.S. Geological Survey are available in the online edition of Geophysical Research Letters.
Hazard a Guess? The riskiest science quiz you will ever take!
True or false? The same size earthquake will cause damage over a larger area in the West than the East.