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ShakeMap Atlas 2.0: an improved suite of recent historical earthquake ShakeMaps for global hazard analyses and loss model calibration ShakeMap Atlas 2.0: an improved suite of recent historical earthquake ShakeMaps for global hazard analyses and loss model calibration

We introduce the second version of the U.S. Geological Survey ShakeMap Atlas, which is an openly-available compilation of nearly 8,000 ShakeMaps of the most significant global earthquakes between 1973 and 2011. This revision of the Atlas includes: (1) a new version of the ShakeMap software that improves data usage and uncertainty estimations; (2) an updated earthquake source catalogue...
Authors
D. Garcia, R.T. Mah, K. L. Johnson, M.G. Hearne, K. D. Marano, K.-W. Lin, D.J. Wald

Ancient impact and aqueous processes at Endeavour Crater, Mars Ancient impact and aqueous processes at Endeavour Crater, Mars

The rover Opportunity has investigated the rim of Endeavour Crater, a large ancient impact crater on Mars. Basaltic breccias produced by the impact form the rim deposits, with stratigraphy similar to that observed at similar-sized craters on Earth. Highly localized zinc enrichments in some breccia materials suggest hydrothermal alteration of rim deposits. Gypsum-rich veins cut...
Authors
S. W. Squyres, R. E. Arvidson, J.F. Bell, F.J. Calef, B. C. Clark, B. A. Cohen, L.A. Crumpler, P. A. de Souza, W. H. Farrand, Ralf Gellert, J. Grant, Kenneth E. Herkenhoff, J.A. Hurowitz, J. R. Johnson, B.L. Jolliff, A.H. Knoll, R. Li, S. M. McLennan, D. W. Ming, D. W. Mittlefehldt, T. J. Parker, G. Paulsen, M.S. Rice, S. W. Ruff, C. Schroder, A. S. Yen, K. Zacny

Crustal seismicity and the earthquake catalog maximum moment magnitudes (Mcmax) in stable continental regions (SCRs): Correlation with the seismic velocity of the lithosphere Crustal seismicity and the earthquake catalog maximum moment magnitudes (Mcmax) in stable continental regions (SCRs): Correlation with the seismic velocity of the lithosphere

A joint analysis of global seismicity and seismic tomography indicates that the seismic potential of continental intraplate regions is correlated with the seismic properties of the lithosphere. Archean and Early Proterozoic cratons with cold, stable continental lithospheric roots have fewer crustal earthquakes and a lower maximum earthquake catalog moment magnitude (Mcmax). The...
Authors
Walter D. Mooney, Jeroen Ritsema, Yong Keun Hwang

Why the 2002 Denali fault rupture propagated onto the Totschunda fault: implications for fault branching and seismic hazards Why the 2002 Denali fault rupture propagated onto the Totschunda fault: implications for fault branching and seismic hazards

The propagation of the rupture of the Mw7.9 Denali fault earthquake from the central Denali fault onto the Totschunda fault has provided a basis for dynamic models of fault branching in which the angle of the regional or local prestress relative to the orientation of the main fault and branch plays a principal role in determining which fault branch is taken. GeoEarthScope LiDAR and...
Authors
David P. Schwartz, Peter J. Haeussler, Gordon G. Seitz, Timothy E. Dawson

Fundamental questions of earthquake statistics, source behavior, and the estimation of earthquake probabilities from possible foreshocks Fundamental questions of earthquake statistics, source behavior, and the estimation of earthquake probabilities from possible foreshocks

Estimates of the probability that an ML 4.8 earthquake, which occurred near the southern end of the San Andreas fault on 24 March 2009, would be followed by an M 7 mainshock over the following three days vary from 0.0009 using a Gutenberg–Richter model of aftershock statistics (Reasenberg and Jones, 1989) to 0.04 using a statistical model of foreshock behavior and long‐term estimates of...
Authors
Andrew J. Michael

Assessment of modal-pushover-based scaling procedure for nonlinear response history analysis of ordinary standard bridges Assessment of modal-pushover-based scaling procedure for nonlinear response history analysis of ordinary standard bridges

The earthquake engineering profession is increasingly utilizing nonlinear response history analyses (RHA) to evaluate seismic performance of existing structures and proposed designs of new structures. One of the main ingredients of nonlinear RHA is a set of ground motion records representing the expected hazard environment for the structure. When recorded motions do not exist (as is the...
Authors
E. Kalkan, N. Kwong

The GED4GEM project: development of a Global Exposure Database for the Global Earthquake Model initiative The GED4GEM project: development of a Global Exposure Database for the Global Earthquake Model initiative

In order to quantify earthquake risk of any selected region or a country of the world within the Global Earthquake Model (GEM) framework (www.globalquakemodel.org/), a systematic compilation of building inventory and population exposure is indispensable. Through the consortium of leading institutions and by engaging the domain-experts from multiple countries, the GED4GEM project has been...
Authors
P. Gamba, D. Cavalca, K. S. Jaiswal, C. Huyck, H. Crowley

Hillslope hydrology and stability Hillslope hydrology and stability

Landslides are caused by a failure of the mechanical balance within hillslopes. This balance is governed by two coupled physical processes: hydrological or subsurface flow and stress. The stabilizing strength of hillslope materials depends on effective stress, which is diminished by rainfall. This book presents a cutting-edge quantitative approach to understanding hydro-mechanical...
Authors
Ning Lu, Jonathan Godt

John B. "Jack" Townshend (1927-2012) John B. "Jack" Townshend (1927-2012)

Jack Townshend, geophysicist and dedicated public servant, died on 13 August 2012 in Fairbanks, Alaska. He was 85. Jack's career with the federal government, most of it with the national magnetic observatory program, spanned more than six solar cycles of time, and he retired only days before his death. The duration of Jack's career encompassed an important period in the history of the...
Authors
Jeffrey J. Love, Carol A. Finn
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