Earthquake Hazards
When a large earthquake shakes mountainous areas, destructive landslides can result. USGS scientists conduct mapping and field studies, numerical modeling, and other analyses following large earthquakes to improve understanding of how and where earthquakes induce landslides. This information, combined with information about earthquake shaking, can help in planning for and emergency management of coseismic landslides. In addition, the USGS is currently developing models to predict in near real-time what areas are may be affected by landslides generated by large earthquakes to assist post-earthquake response efforts.