Faults

Quaternary Fault and Fold Database of the United States

Interactive Fault Map


View interactive fault map.

This database contains information on faults and associated folds in the United States that demonstrate geological evidence of coseismic surface deformation in large earthquakes during the Quaternary (the past 1.6 million years). Links to descriptions and citations are accessible through the Database Search or Interactive Fault Map.

In order to maintain a current and relevant dataset, effective January 12, 2017, the USGS will maintain a limited number of metadata fields that characterize the Quaternary faults and folds of the United States. Archived reports are accessible from the abbreviated record.

Fault Basics

offset in San Andreas fault
San Andreas fault zone, Carrizo Plains, central California. Photo by R.E. Wallace, USGS

About the Quaternary Faults and the National Seismic Hazard Maps

This database was used to create the fault-source characterization in the National Seismic Hazard Maps. For the hazard maps, both the fault surface trace and the metadata are simplified representations of the geometry and behavior of the fault, based on geologic interpretation.

Citation information - when using these data, please provide proper acknowledgment.