Do you know what a “go” bag is? Does your family have a plan in case of an emergency? Check out the video to see what you can do to get yourself prepared if there were an earthquake.
Where do earthquakes occur?
Earthquakes can strike any location at any time, but history shows they occur in the same general patterns year after year, principally in three large zones of the earth:
- The world's greatest earthquake belt, the circum-Pacific seismic belt, is found along the rim of the Pacific Ocean, where about 81 percent of our planet's largest earthquakes occur. It has earned the nickname "Ring of Fire". Why do so many earthquakes originate in this region? The belt exists along boundaries of tectonic plates, where plates of mostly oceanic crust are sinking (or subducting) beneath another plate. Earthquakes in these subduction zones are caused by slip between plates and rupture within plates. Earthquakes in the circum-Pacific seismic belt include the M9.5 Chilean Earthquake [Valdivia Earthquake] (1960) and the M9.2 Alaska Earthquake (1964).
- The Alpide earthquake belt extends from Java to Sumatra through the Himalayas, the Mediterranean, and out into the Atlantic. This belt accounts for about 17 percent of the world's largest earthquakes, including some of the most destructive, such as the 2005 M7.6 shock in Pakistan that killed over 80,000 and the 2004 M9.1 Indonesia earthquake, which generated a tsunami that killed over 230,000 people.
- The third prominent belt follows the submerged mid-Atlantic Ridge. The ridge marks where two tectonic plates are spreading apart (a divergent plate boundary). Most of the mid-Atlantic Ridge is deep underwater and far from human development, but Iceland, which sits directly over the mid-Atlantic Ridge, has experienced earthquakes as large as at least M6.9.
The remaining shocks are scattered in various areas of the world. Earthquakes in the prominent seismic zones described above are taken for granted, but damaging shocks can occur outside these zones. Examples in the United States include New Madrid, Missouri (1811-1812) and Charleston, South Carolina (1886). However, many years usually elapse between such shocks.
Learn more:
Related
Which states have the smallest number of earthquakes? Is there any place in the world that doesn't have earthquakes?
Florida and North Dakota are the states with the fewest earthquakes. Antarctica has the least earthquakes of any continent, but small earthquakes can occur anywhere in the World. Our Earthquake Lists, Maps, and Statistics website has M3+ earthquake counts for each state from 2010 to 2015. Learn more: Earthquake Information by Region
Where can I find a list of the largest earthquakes near my town?
Use our online earthquake catalog to search for past earthquakes in your region. Define your search area by drawing a rectangle on a map or by inputting data for a rectangle or circle. Go to our Earthquake Information by Region website for information about earthquakes in each state.
Which country has the most earthquakes?
The answer to this question is not as straightforward as it may seem. In order to most accurately answer it, we will rephrase the question four different ways: For which country do we locate the most earthquakes? Japan. The whole country is in a very active seismic area, and they have the densest seismic network in the world, so they are able to record many earthquakes. Which country actually has...
Which state has the most earthquakes that cause damage? Which state has the most earthquakes (not human-induced)?
California has more earthquakes that cause damage than any other state. Alaska and California have the most earthquakes (not human-induced). Learn more: Earthquake Information by Region
Where can I search an earthquake catalog for past events?
You might be able to find what you’re looking for using our collection of Earthquake Lists, so check that first. If that doesn’t work, use one of these Earthquake Catalog Search webpages: World-wide Earthquakes Catalog (M4.5+ worldwide, M2.5+ U.S.) Historic ANSS (Advanced National Seismic System) Composite Catalog (M4.5+ world-wide, all magnitudes U.S.)
Can a large earthquake trigger earthquakes in distant locations or on other faults?
Sometimes. Earthquakes, particularly large ones, can trigger other earthquakes in more distant locations though a process known as dynamic stress transfer/triggering. This means that the energy from the seismic wave passing through can cause a new earthquake, usually in already vulnerable locations prone to frequent earthquakes (e.g., volcanic regions). Examples of large events that triggered...
What are the earthquake hazards/risks where I live?
Determining your risk with regard to earthquakes, or more precisely shaking from earthquakes, isn't as simple as finding the nearest fault. The chances of experiencing shaking from an earthquake and/or having property damage is dependent on many different factors. The National Hazard Maps use all available data to estimate the chances of shaking (of different strengths and frequencies) across the...
Why should people in the eastern United States be concerned about earthquakes?
1) Severe earthquakes have occurred in the eastern U.S.: In November of 1755, an earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 6.0 and a maximum intensity of VIII occurred about 50 miles northeast of Boston, Massachusetts. Boston was heavily damaged. Other strong earthquakes recorded in the continental US were centered in southeastern Missouri near the border with Arkansas, Kentucky and Tennessee. In...
Where can I find a list of the largest earthquakes in the United States? In the world?
The USGS Earthquake Lists, Maps, and Statistics website has statistics about earthquakes in the United States and the world, including a list of the world's 20 largest recorded earthquakes.
National Preparedness Month Spotlight on Earthquakes [Part 3]
Do you know what a “go” bag is? Does your family have a plan in case of an emergency? Check out the video to see what you can do to get yourself prepared if there were an earthquake.
National Preparedness Month Spotlight on Earthquakes [Part 1]
Earthquakes can affect millions of people across the United States. But do you know what causes them? This video will tell you.
September is National Preparedness Month. Learn more about the natural hazards you may face in our feature story.
Earthquakes can affect millions of people across the United States. But do you know what causes them? This video will tell you.
September is National Preparedness Month. Learn more about the natural hazards you may face in our feature story.
Plate Tectonics Map
Plate Tectonics is the theory supported by a wide range of evidence that considers the earth's crust and upper mantle to be composed of several large, thin, relatively rigid plates that move relative to one another. Slip on faults that define the plate boundaries commonly results in earthquakes.
Plate Tectonics is the theory supported by a wide range of evidence that considers the earth's crust and upper mantle to be composed of several large, thin, relatively rigid plates that move relative to one another. Slip on faults that define the plate boundaries commonly results in earthquakes.
PubTalk 5/2021 - Where Earthquakes Hide in the Desert
Title: Where Earthquakes Hide in the Desert: What we've learned from recent fault ruptures in the western U.S.
By Austin J. Elliott, USGS Research Geologist
Title: Where Earthquakes Hide in the Desert: What we've learned from recent fault ruptures in the western U.S.
By Austin J. Elliott, USGS Research Geologist
Earthquake hazard map showing peak ground accelerations having a 2 percent proba
Earthquake hazard map showing peak ground accelerations having a 2 percent probability of being exceeded in 50 years, for a firm rock site. Black box outlines Yellowstone region. The map is based on the most recent USGS models for the conterminous U.S. (2018), Hawaii (1998), and Alaska (2007).
Earthquake hazard map showing peak ground accelerations having a 2 percent probability of being exceeded in 50 years, for a firm rock site. Black box outlines Yellowstone region. The map is based on the most recent USGS models for the conterminous U.S. (2018), Hawaii (1998), and Alaska (2007).
Tectonic slab window
This animation of the tectonic evolution of western North America shows the birth and lengthening of the San Andreas fault as the triple junction moves north over the past 40 million years. Over time, the Farallon plate is consumed by subduction beneath North America and the divergent boundary (a.k.a.
This animation of the tectonic evolution of western North America shows the birth and lengthening of the San Andreas fault as the triple junction moves north over the past 40 million years. Over time, the Farallon plate is consumed by subduction beneath North America and the divergent boundary (a.k.a.
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
1906 Earthquake Damage to Home in San Francisco
1906 earthquake damage to home on Howard and 17th Streets in San Francisco. Liquefaction, the phenomenon of saturated soils losing their stiffness and strength during shaking, caused structures to tilt and collapse.
1906 earthquake damage to home on Howard and 17th Streets in San Francisco. Liquefaction, the phenomenon of saturated soils losing their stiffness and strength during shaking, caused structures to tilt and collapse.
Examples of seismograms of different types of earthquakes and tremo...
Examples of seismograms of different types of earthquakes and tremor (constant ground shaking) recorded in Hawai‘i.
Examples of seismograms of different types of earthquakes and tremor (constant ground shaking) recorded in Hawai‘i.
Related
Which states have the smallest number of earthquakes? Is there any place in the world that doesn't have earthquakes?
Florida and North Dakota are the states with the fewest earthquakes. Antarctica has the least earthquakes of any continent, but small earthquakes can occur anywhere in the World. Our Earthquake Lists, Maps, and Statistics website has M3+ earthquake counts for each state from 2010 to 2015. Learn more: Earthquake Information by Region
Where can I find a list of the largest earthquakes near my town?
Use our online earthquake catalog to search for past earthquakes in your region. Define your search area by drawing a rectangle on a map or by inputting data for a rectangle or circle. Go to our Earthquake Information by Region website for information about earthquakes in each state.
Which country has the most earthquakes?
The answer to this question is not as straightforward as it may seem. In order to most accurately answer it, we will rephrase the question four different ways: For which country do we locate the most earthquakes? Japan. The whole country is in a very active seismic area, and they have the densest seismic network in the world, so they are able to record many earthquakes. Which country actually has...
Which state has the most earthquakes that cause damage? Which state has the most earthquakes (not human-induced)?
California has more earthquakes that cause damage than any other state. Alaska and California have the most earthquakes (not human-induced). Learn more: Earthquake Information by Region
Where can I search an earthquake catalog for past events?
You might be able to find what you’re looking for using our collection of Earthquake Lists, so check that first. If that doesn’t work, use one of these Earthquake Catalog Search webpages: World-wide Earthquakes Catalog (M4.5+ worldwide, M2.5+ U.S.) Historic ANSS (Advanced National Seismic System) Composite Catalog (M4.5+ world-wide, all magnitudes U.S.)
Can a large earthquake trigger earthquakes in distant locations or on other faults?
Sometimes. Earthquakes, particularly large ones, can trigger other earthquakes in more distant locations though a process known as dynamic stress transfer/triggering. This means that the energy from the seismic wave passing through can cause a new earthquake, usually in already vulnerable locations prone to frequent earthquakes (e.g., volcanic regions). Examples of large events that triggered...
What are the earthquake hazards/risks where I live?
Determining your risk with regard to earthquakes, or more precisely shaking from earthquakes, isn't as simple as finding the nearest fault. The chances of experiencing shaking from an earthquake and/or having property damage is dependent on many different factors. The National Hazard Maps use all available data to estimate the chances of shaking (of different strengths and frequencies) across the...
Why should people in the eastern United States be concerned about earthquakes?
1) Severe earthquakes have occurred in the eastern U.S.: In November of 1755, an earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 6.0 and a maximum intensity of VIII occurred about 50 miles northeast of Boston, Massachusetts. Boston was heavily damaged. Other strong earthquakes recorded in the continental US were centered in southeastern Missouri near the border with Arkansas, Kentucky and Tennessee. In...
Where can I find a list of the largest earthquakes in the United States? In the world?
The USGS Earthquake Lists, Maps, and Statistics website has statistics about earthquakes in the United States and the world, including a list of the world's 20 largest recorded earthquakes.
National Preparedness Month Spotlight on Earthquakes [Part 3]
Do you know what a “go” bag is? Does your family have a plan in case of an emergency? Check out the video to see what you can do to get yourself prepared if there were an earthquake.
Do you know what a “go” bag is? Does your family have a plan in case of an emergency? Check out the video to see what you can do to get yourself prepared if there were an earthquake.
National Preparedness Month Spotlight on Earthquakes [Part 1]
Earthquakes can affect millions of people across the United States. But do you know what causes them? This video will tell you.
September is National Preparedness Month. Learn more about the natural hazards you may face in our feature story.
Earthquakes can affect millions of people across the United States. But do you know what causes them? This video will tell you.
September is National Preparedness Month. Learn more about the natural hazards you may face in our feature story.
Plate Tectonics Map
Plate Tectonics is the theory supported by a wide range of evidence that considers the earth's crust and upper mantle to be composed of several large, thin, relatively rigid plates that move relative to one another. Slip on faults that define the plate boundaries commonly results in earthquakes.
Plate Tectonics is the theory supported by a wide range of evidence that considers the earth's crust and upper mantle to be composed of several large, thin, relatively rigid plates that move relative to one another. Slip on faults that define the plate boundaries commonly results in earthquakes.
PubTalk 5/2021 - Where Earthquakes Hide in the Desert
Title: Where Earthquakes Hide in the Desert: What we've learned from recent fault ruptures in the western U.S.
By Austin J. Elliott, USGS Research Geologist
Title: Where Earthquakes Hide in the Desert: What we've learned from recent fault ruptures in the western U.S.
By Austin J. Elliott, USGS Research Geologist
Earthquake hazard map showing peak ground accelerations having a 2 percent proba
Earthquake hazard map showing peak ground accelerations having a 2 percent probability of being exceeded in 50 years, for a firm rock site. Black box outlines Yellowstone region. The map is based on the most recent USGS models for the conterminous U.S. (2018), Hawaii (1998), and Alaska (2007).
Earthquake hazard map showing peak ground accelerations having a 2 percent probability of being exceeded in 50 years, for a firm rock site. Black box outlines Yellowstone region. The map is based on the most recent USGS models for the conterminous U.S. (2018), Hawaii (1998), and Alaska (2007).
Tectonic slab window
This animation of the tectonic evolution of western North America shows the birth and lengthening of the San Andreas fault as the triple junction moves north over the past 40 million years. Over time, the Farallon plate is consumed by subduction beneath North America and the divergent boundary (a.k.a.
This animation of the tectonic evolution of western North America shows the birth and lengthening of the San Andreas fault as the triple junction moves north over the past 40 million years. Over time, the Farallon plate is consumed by subduction beneath North America and the divergent boundary (a.k.a.
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
1906 Earthquake Damage to Home in San Francisco
1906 earthquake damage to home on Howard and 17th Streets in San Francisco. Liquefaction, the phenomenon of saturated soils losing their stiffness and strength during shaking, caused structures to tilt and collapse.
1906 earthquake damage to home on Howard and 17th Streets in San Francisco. Liquefaction, the phenomenon of saturated soils losing their stiffness and strength during shaking, caused structures to tilt and collapse.
Examples of seismograms of different types of earthquakes and tremo...
Examples of seismograms of different types of earthquakes and tremor (constant ground shaking) recorded in Hawai‘i.
Examples of seismograms of different types of earthquakes and tremor (constant ground shaking) recorded in Hawai‘i.
Updated Date: March 4, 2025