Janice R. Andrews
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has made a startling discovery: a detailed map that illustrates the terrifying possibility that nearly every region of the country could experience a catastrophic earthquake.
The agency’s color-coded map, which covers about 75% of the continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii within the next century, emphasises places most at risk. It does this by utilising the most recent seismic studies, historical geological data, and sophisticated data-collection technology.
With the release of its first-ever map that encompasses all 50 states, the USGS hopes to give geologists and engineers a visual tool to help them get ready for any dangers to the nation’s infrastructure and hundreds of millions of people’s safety. Lead author and geophysicist Mark Petersen said the results, which were published in the esteemed journal Earthquake Spectra, mark a major turning point in improving public safety.
The analysis states that the central and northeastern Atlantic Coast, which includes significant cities like Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York, and Boston, is expected to experience the strongest earthquakes. It was also determined that Alaska and California, two well-known earthquake hotspots, are high-risk areas for a rise in seismic activity in the ensuing decades.
Remarkably, researchers concluded that Hawaii had the greatest potential for a catastrophic earthquake based on data gathered following recent volcanic eruptions and seismic activity on the islands.
The paper highlights the long history of seismic activity in the nation, stating that during the previous 200 years, there have been earthquakes larger than magnitude 5 in 37 states. The map and its corresponding analysis, which has been the most recent seismic hazard model since 2018, provide vital information to planners, engineers, and architects who are involved in the planning and construction of buildings.
