Science
FAQs
Can you predict earthquakes?
No. Neither the USGS nor any other scientists have ever predicted a major earthquake. We do not know how, and we do not expect to know how any time in the foreseeable future. USGS scientists can only calculate the probability that a significant earthquake will occur ( shown on our hazard mapping) in a specific area within a certain number of years. An earthquake prediction must define 3 elements...
Can animals predict earthquakes?
The earliest reference we have to unusual animal behavior prior to a significant earthquake is from Greece in 373 BC. Rats, weasels, snakes, and centipedes reportedly left their homes and headed for safety several days before a destructive earthquake. Anecdotal evidence abounds of animals, fish, birds, reptiles, and insects exhibiting strange behavior anywhere from weeks to seconds before an...
Why are we having so many earthquakes? Has naturally occurring earthquake activity been increasing? Does this mean a big one is going to hit? OR We haven't had any earthquakes in a long time; does this mean that the pressure is building up for a big one?
A temporary increase or decrease in seismicity is part of the normal fluctuation of earthquake rates. Neither an increase nor decrease worldwide is a positive indication that a large earthquake is imminent. The ComCat earthquake catalog contains an increasing number of earthquakes in recent years--not because there are more earthquakes, but because there are more seismic instruments and they are...
Education
Design Ground Motions Portal
This web portal provides links to web tools, maps, and underlying data for the earthquake ground motions of several seismic design documents. Click on each document title below to see the links. For questions/comments, email nluco@usgs.gov.
ANSS Seminar Series
The Advanced National Seismic System (ANSS) is a collaboration of Federal, State, and academic partners responsible for providing authoritative information on earthquakes worldwide. The ANSS promotes partnerships among those working at local, regional, and national levels committed to reducing earthquake losses.
Earthquakes, Megaquakes, and the Movies
Lights! Cameras! Disaster!