Hazards

Update of the 50-State NSHM

2023 National Seismic Hazard Model

Request for Hazard Modeling Contributions

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Maps of earthquake shaking hazards provide information essential to creating and updating the seismic design provisions of building codes and insurance rates used in the United States. Periodic revisions of these maps incorporate the results of new research.

Workshops are conducted periodically for input into the hazards products.

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Learn About Earthquake Hazards

A Google Earth™ image showing the principal zone of faulting (in red) near the town of Healdsburg.

What are the USGS National Seismic Hazard Maps and how are they used? What do I need to know about earthquake hazards? What does "earthquake hazard" mean?

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Seismic Hazard Model, Maps, and Site-Specific Data

Seismicity of Hawaii from 2021 Hawaii National Seismic Hazard Map

U.S. Seismic Hazard Model, hazard tools, and other products.

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Faults in the U.S.

Interactive fault map and information on known or suspected active faults and folds in the United States. Also, generalized fault data used in the hazard model.

Find Faults

Hazard map from the 2023 50-state update of the National Seismic Hazard Model Project — Earthquake hazard map showing peak ground accelerations having a 2 percent probability of being exceeded in 50 years, for a firm rock site. The map is based on the USGS models for the conterminous U.S. (2023), Hawaii (2021), and Alaska (2023). The models are based on seismicity and fault-slip rates and take into account the frequency of earthquakes of various magnitudes. Locally, the hazard may be greater than shown, because site geology may amplify ground motions.

Learn About Earthquake Hazards
What do I need to know about earthquake hazards? What does "earthquake hazard" mean? What are hazard maps?

Faults
Interactive fault map and comprehensive geologically based information on known or suspected active faults and folds in the United States. Also, generalized fault data used in the hazard model.

Seismic Hazard Model, Maps, and Site-Specific Data
U.S. Seismic Hazard Model, hazard tools, and other products.

Design Ground Motions
Ground motion parameter values for the design of buildings, bridges, and other structures.

Earthquake Scenarios
Earthquake scenarios describe the expected ground motions and effects of specific hypothetical large earthquakes.

Workshops
Workshops are announced periodically for input into the hazards products.