Natural Hazards - Earthquakes

Earthquakes are one of the most costly natural hazards faced by the Nation, posing a significant risk to 75 million Americans in 39 States.

The risks that earthquakes pose to society, including death, injury, and economic loss, can be greatly reduced by (1) better planning, construction, and mitigation practices before earthquakes happen, and (2) providing critical and timely information to improve response after they occur.

As part of the multi-agency National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has the lead Federal responsibility to provide notification of earthquakes in order to enhance public safety and to reduce losses through effective forecasts based on the best possible scientific information.

Highlighted Earthquake Resources

Select the next to each link to open that item in a new window.

Earthquake Hazards Program
USGS information on worldwide earthquake activity, earthquake science, and earthquake hazard reduction.
Advanced National Seismic System (ANSS)
Provides accurate and timely data and information products for seismic events and their effects on buildings and structures.
Did You Feel It? Report an Earthquake
Select an earthquake from the list to view a map or submit your own report.
Earthquake Hazards—A National Threat
A fact sheet about earthquakes and the danger they pose to Nation.
Earthquake Info by Region
Earthquake data and information by geographic location.
Earthquake Notification Service (ENS)
Receive automated email notifications for worldwide earthquakes.
Earthquake Related Podcasts: USGS CoreCast
Podcasts from the USGS CoreCast that are related to earthquake topics.
Earthquake Topics
Earthquake information by topical categories.
Earthquakes for Kids
A child's view of earthquake facts and feelings with a parent and teacher's guide to earthquakes.
Faults in the US
Information on faults and associated folds in the United States that are believed to be sources of M>6 earthquakes.
Latest Earthquake Maps & Lists
Photo Collections
Extensive photo and image archive related to earthquakes past and present.
Seismic Hazard Maps
ShakeMaps
Near-real-time maps of ground motion and shaking intensity following significant earthquakes.
Today in Earthquake History
Top 10 Lists & Maps in the United States and World
USGS National Seismic Hazard Maps
USGS ShakeOut
Resources, video, podcasts, and more from the USGS related to the Great Southern California ShakeOut event, Nov 12 - 18th, 2008