Massive rock slides were caused by strong ground shaking during the main shock of the magnitude-7 earthquake that struck Haiti on Jan. 12, 2010 and several of the stronger aftershocks. This mountain road leads north to the city of Dufort, located near the larger city of Leogane.
Walter Mooney
Walter Mooney is a geophysicist in the Earthquake Hazards Program.
Walter Mooney is a research seismologist and geophysicist at the U.S. Geological Survey, Menlo Park, California (See video presentation). He is also a AGU member since 1974 (and Fellow since 1996). His major interest is global Earth crustal structure and tectonics, particularly of the continental lithosphere. Mooney was the branch Chief of Seismology from 1994 to 1997. He has led field work throughout North and South America and participated in extensive research affiliations with colleagues in Mexico, Europe, Russia, China and Taiwan, Japan, India, Australia, New Zealand, East Africa.
Mooney is a consulting Professor of Geophysics, Stanford University, and a visiting faculty at the following institutions: University of Karlsruhe and Kiel University, Germany, University of Paris and University of Strasbourg, France, Rice University, and the California Institute of Technology. Finally, he is the Program Leader for the USGS contribution to the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning System and has extensive experience at leading training.
Sample of Videos Produced
San Francisco, California Bay Area Earthquake Hazards and Preparedness
Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning System (IOTWS)
The Wenchuan China Earthquake May 12, 2008, filmed by Sarah Bahan
Mauritius Training Program in Seismology and Tsunami Warning
The Earthquake of September 30, 2009 Padang, Indonesia
Tsunami Preparedness along the West Coast, USA
- Recent Publications
- 2008-2013
- Hartzell, S., C. Mendoza, L. Ramirez-Gurman, Zeng Y.H, and Mooney, W.D., 2013, Rupture history of the 2008 Wenchuan, China, Earthquake: Evaluation of Separate and Joint Inversions of Geodetic, Teleseismic and Strong Motion Data, Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America, 103, no. 1, February (in press). Director Approval 10/2012. See PDF
- Chulick, G., Detweiler, S. and Mooney, W.D., 2012, Seismic structure of the crust and uppermost mantle of South America and surrounding ocean basins, Journal of South American Earth Sciences, 29 June (online). See PDF
- Hickman, S.H., Hsieh, P.A., Mooney, W.D., Enomoto, C., Nelson, P., Mayer, L., Weber, T., Moran, K., Flemings, P., McNutt, M., 2012, Scientific Basis for Safely Shutting in the Macondo Well Following the April 20, 2010, Deepwater Horizon Blowout, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 109, no. 50, 20, 268-20, 273. See PDF
- Mooney, W.D., J. Ritsema, and H. Hwang, 2012, Crustal seismicity and the earthquake catalog maximum moment magnitude (Mcmax) in stable continental regions (SCRs): correlation with the seismic velocity of the lithosphere, Earth and Planetary Science Letters 357-358, 78-83. See PDF
- Prodehl, C. and Mooney, W.D., 2012, Exploring the Earth's Crust: History and Results of Controlled-Source Seismology, Geological Society of America Memoir 208, 764 pp, with supplemental DVD. Abstract, Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6,
- 2008-2013
Science and Products
Massive rock slides were caused by strong ground shaking during the main shock of the magnitude-7 earthquake that struck Haiti on Jan. 12, 2010 and several of the stronger aftershocks. This mountain road leads north to the city of Dufort, located near the larger city of Leogane.
This young girl stands in front of a massive crack in the road on highway Nationale 2 near Petit Gaove, Haiti. The highway collapse was caused by lateral spreading of the underlying soil during the magnitude-7 earthquake that struck Haiti on Jan. 12, 2010.
This young girl stands in front of a massive crack in the road on highway Nationale 2 near Petit Gaove, Haiti. The highway collapse was caused by lateral spreading of the underlying soil during the magnitude-7 earthquake that struck Haiti on Jan. 12, 2010.
The epicenter of the magnitude-7 earthquake that struck Haiti on Jan. 12, 2010 is shown in this photo below the highest peak in the center of the view. The mapped Enriquillo fault zone comes towards the viewer in the low-lying hills and passes north (left) of the deforested clearing in the foreground.
The epicenter of the magnitude-7 earthquake that struck Haiti on Jan. 12, 2010 is shown in this photo below the highest peak in the center of the view. The mapped Enriquillo fault zone comes towards the viewer in the low-lying hills and passes north (left) of the deforested clearing in the foreground.
USGS seismoogists Dr. Walter Mooney completes the installation of a sensitive temporary seismograph to record earthquake aftershocks. The seismograph is installed in a small storage room in a small village. The cable leads to an outdoor antenna that provides accurate time via a GPS signal.
USGS seismoogists Dr. Walter Mooney completes the installation of a sensitive temporary seismograph to record earthquake aftershocks. The seismograph is installed in a small storage room in a small village. The cable leads to an outdoor antenna that provides accurate time via a GPS signal.
USGS seismologist Dr. Walter Mooney (with white hat in left hand) together with residents of a village were a seismographic station was installed, following the magnitude-7 earthquake that struck Haiti on Jan. 12, 2010.
USGS seismologist Dr. Walter Mooney (with white hat in left hand) together with residents of a village were a seismographic station was installed, following the magnitude-7 earthquake that struck Haiti on Jan. 12, 2010.
Vehicles crushed beneath the second story balcony of the Hotel D'Haiti located in Port-au-Prince. This entire hotel with more than 50 rooms was destroyed as a result of the magnitude-7 earthquake that struck Haiti on Jan. 12, 2010.
Vehicles crushed beneath the second story balcony of the Hotel D'Haiti located in Port-au-Prince. This entire hotel with more than 50 rooms was destroyed as a result of the magnitude-7 earthquake that struck Haiti on Jan. 12, 2010.
A short overview of the work involved in the Afghanistan Reconstruction and Assessment Program. It includes footage of the first USGS training course in Modern Earthquake Hazard Assessments in December 2006 and personal accounts from Afghan scientists.
A short overview of the work involved in the Afghanistan Reconstruction and Assessment Program. It includes footage of the first USGS training course in Modern Earthquake Hazard Assessments in December 2006 and personal accounts from Afghan scientists.
A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck the island of Anjouan in the Union of the Comoros on March 12, 2014. Heavy rainfall trigger landslides and damages were incurred to buildings, roads, and water supplies. As a precaution, more than 3,000 citizens living below the landslides were moved to a refugee camp.
A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck the island of Anjouan in the Union of the Comoros on March 12, 2014. Heavy rainfall trigger landslides and damages were incurred to buildings, roads, and water supplies. As a precaution, more than 3,000 citizens living below the landslides were moved to a refugee camp.
Heavy rains from a tropical cyclone struck the islands of the Comoros in March, 2014. On the island of Anjouan in the Union of Comoros, these rains triggered landslides that displaced over 3000 people to refugee camps. The USGS and the OFDA with USAID are providing support and research assistance on these events.
Heavy rains from a tropical cyclone struck the islands of the Comoros in March, 2014. On the island of Anjouan in the Union of Comoros, these rains triggered landslides that displaced over 3000 people to refugee camps. The USGS and the OFDA with USAID are providing support and research assistance on these events.
A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck the island of Anjouan in the Union of the Comoros on March 12, 2014. Heavy rainfall trigger landslides and damages were incurred to buildings, roads, and water supplies. As a precaution, more than 3,000 citizens living below the landslides were moved to a refugee camp.
A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck the island of Anjouan in the Union of the Comoros on March 12, 2014. Heavy rainfall trigger landslides and damages were incurred to buildings, roads, and water supplies. As a precaution, more than 3,000 citizens living below the landslides were moved to a refugee camp.
A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck the island of Anjouan in the Union of the Comoros on March 12, 2014. Heavy rainfall trigger landslides and damages were incurred to buildings, roads, and water supplies. As a precaution, more than 3,000 citizens were moved to a refugee camp.
A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck the island of Anjouan in the Union of the Comoros on March 12, 2014. Heavy rainfall trigger landslides and damages were incurred to buildings, roads, and water supplies. As a precaution, more than 3,000 citizens were moved to a refugee camp.
A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck the island of Anjouan in the Union of the Comoros on March 12, 2014. Heavy rainfall trigger landslides and damages were incurred to buildings, roads, and water supplies. As a precaution, more than 3,000 citizens living below the landslides were moved to a refugee camp.
A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck the island of Anjouan in the Union of the Comoros on March 12, 2014. Heavy rainfall trigger landslides and damages were incurred to buildings, roads, and water supplies. As a precaution, more than 3,000 citizens living below the landslides were moved to a refugee camp.
A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck the island of Anjouan in the Union of the Comoros on March 12, 2014. Heavy rainfall trigger landslides and damages were incurred to buildings, roads, and water supplies. As a precaution, more than 3,000 citizens living below the landslides were moved to a refugee camp.
A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck the island of Anjouan in the Union of the Comoros on March 12, 2014. Heavy rainfall trigger landslides and damages were incurred to buildings, roads, and water supplies. As a precaution, more than 3,000 citizens living below the landslides were moved to a refugee camp.
A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck the island of Anjouan in the Union of the Comoros on March 12, 2014. Heavy rainfall trigger landslides and damages were incurred to buildings, roads, and water supplies. As a precaution, more than 3,000 citizens living below the landslides were moved to a refugee camp.
A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck the island of Anjouan in the Union of the Comoros on March 12, 2014. Heavy rainfall trigger landslides and damages were incurred to buildings, roads, and water supplies. As a precaution, more than 3,000 citizens living below the landslides were moved to a refugee camp.
Heavy rains from a tropical cyclone struck the islands of the Comoros in March, 2014. On the island of Anjouan in the Union of Comoros, these rains triggered landslides that displaced over 3000 people to refugee camps. The USGS and the OFDA with USAID are providing support and research assistance on these events.
Heavy rains from a tropical cyclone struck the islands of the Comoros in March, 2014. On the island of Anjouan in the Union of Comoros, these rains triggered landslides that displaced over 3000 people to refugee camps. The USGS and the OFDA with USAID are providing support and research assistance on these events.
Heavy rains from a tropical cyclone struck the islands of the Comoros in March, 2014. On the island of Anjouan in the Union of Comoros, these rains triggered landslides that displaced over 3000 people to refugee camps.
Heavy rains from a tropical cyclone struck the islands of the Comoros in March, 2014. On the island of Anjouan in the Union of Comoros, these rains triggered landslides that displaced over 3000 people to refugee camps.
Heavy rains from a tropical cyclone struck the islands of the Comoros in March, 2014. On the island of Anjouan in the Union of Comoros, these rains triggered landslides that displaced over 3000 people to refugee camps.
Heavy rains from a tropical cyclone struck the islands of the Comoros in March, 2014. On the island of Anjouan in the Union of Comoros, these rains triggered landslides that displaced over 3000 people to refugee camps.
Heavy rains from a tropical cyclone struck the islands of the Comoros in March, 2014. On the island of Anjouan in the Union of Comoros, these rains triggered landslides that displaced over 3000 people to refugee camps.
Heavy rains from a tropical cyclone struck the islands of the Comoros in March, 2014. On the island of Anjouan in the Union of Comoros, these rains triggered landslides that displaced over 3000 people to refugee camps.
This masonry office building in the downtown area of Concepcion, Chile collapsed as a result of the M 8.8 earthquake on Feb. 27, 2010. The construction of this building predates the establishment of strict building codes in Chile, put in place following the devastating earthquake of 1960.
This masonry office building in the downtown area of Concepcion, Chile collapsed as a result of the M 8.8 earthquake on Feb. 27, 2010. The construction of this building predates the establishment of strict building codes in Chile, put in place following the devastating earthquake of 1960.
A well-engineered high rise apartment and two-story building in Talca, Chile suffered no evident damage, though much of the city was affected by the M 8.8 earthquake on Feb. 27, 2010. Many buildings in this city were constructed with adobe or masonry and suffered major collapse.
A well-engineered high rise apartment and two-story building in Talca, Chile suffered no evident damage, though much of the city was affected by the M 8.8 earthquake on Feb. 27, 2010. Many buildings in this city were constructed with adobe or masonry and suffered major collapse.
A one hundred year old adobe building in Talca, Chile suffered near-total collapse during the M 8.8 earthquake on Feb. 27, 2010. Adobe, which is made of clay, sand and straw, is no longer used as a building material in Chile, but ancient structures are still common and can pose a hazard to their occupants.
A one hundred year old adobe building in Talca, Chile suffered near-total collapse during the M 8.8 earthquake on Feb. 27, 2010. Adobe, which is made of clay, sand and straw, is no longer used as a building material in Chile, but ancient structures are still common and can pose a hazard to their occupants.
Science and Products
Massive rock slides were caused by strong ground shaking during the main shock of the magnitude-7 earthquake that struck Haiti on Jan. 12, 2010 and several of the stronger aftershocks. This mountain road leads north to the city of Dufort, located near the larger city of Leogane.
Massive rock slides were caused by strong ground shaking during the main shock of the magnitude-7 earthquake that struck Haiti on Jan. 12, 2010 and several of the stronger aftershocks. This mountain road leads north to the city of Dufort, located near the larger city of Leogane.
This young girl stands in front of a massive crack in the road on highway Nationale 2 near Petit Gaove, Haiti. The highway collapse was caused by lateral spreading of the underlying soil during the magnitude-7 earthquake that struck Haiti on Jan. 12, 2010.
This young girl stands in front of a massive crack in the road on highway Nationale 2 near Petit Gaove, Haiti. The highway collapse was caused by lateral spreading of the underlying soil during the magnitude-7 earthquake that struck Haiti on Jan. 12, 2010.
The epicenter of the magnitude-7 earthquake that struck Haiti on Jan. 12, 2010 is shown in this photo below the highest peak in the center of the view. The mapped Enriquillo fault zone comes towards the viewer in the low-lying hills and passes north (left) of the deforested clearing in the foreground.
The epicenter of the magnitude-7 earthquake that struck Haiti on Jan. 12, 2010 is shown in this photo below the highest peak in the center of the view. The mapped Enriquillo fault zone comes towards the viewer in the low-lying hills and passes north (left) of the deforested clearing in the foreground.
USGS seismoogists Dr. Walter Mooney completes the installation of a sensitive temporary seismograph to record earthquake aftershocks. The seismograph is installed in a small storage room in a small village. The cable leads to an outdoor antenna that provides accurate time via a GPS signal.
USGS seismoogists Dr. Walter Mooney completes the installation of a sensitive temporary seismograph to record earthquake aftershocks. The seismograph is installed in a small storage room in a small village. The cable leads to an outdoor antenna that provides accurate time via a GPS signal.
USGS seismologist Dr. Walter Mooney (with white hat in left hand) together with residents of a village were a seismographic station was installed, following the magnitude-7 earthquake that struck Haiti on Jan. 12, 2010.
USGS seismologist Dr. Walter Mooney (with white hat in left hand) together with residents of a village were a seismographic station was installed, following the magnitude-7 earthquake that struck Haiti on Jan. 12, 2010.
Vehicles crushed beneath the second story balcony of the Hotel D'Haiti located in Port-au-Prince. This entire hotel with more than 50 rooms was destroyed as a result of the magnitude-7 earthquake that struck Haiti on Jan. 12, 2010.
Vehicles crushed beneath the second story balcony of the Hotel D'Haiti located in Port-au-Prince. This entire hotel with more than 50 rooms was destroyed as a result of the magnitude-7 earthquake that struck Haiti on Jan. 12, 2010.
A short overview of the work involved in the Afghanistan Reconstruction and Assessment Program. It includes footage of the first USGS training course in Modern Earthquake Hazard Assessments in December 2006 and personal accounts from Afghan scientists.
A short overview of the work involved in the Afghanistan Reconstruction and Assessment Program. It includes footage of the first USGS training course in Modern Earthquake Hazard Assessments in December 2006 and personal accounts from Afghan scientists.
A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck the island of Anjouan in the Union of the Comoros on March 12, 2014. Heavy rainfall trigger landslides and damages were incurred to buildings, roads, and water supplies. As a precaution, more than 3,000 citizens living below the landslides were moved to a refugee camp.
A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck the island of Anjouan in the Union of the Comoros on March 12, 2014. Heavy rainfall trigger landslides and damages were incurred to buildings, roads, and water supplies. As a precaution, more than 3,000 citizens living below the landslides were moved to a refugee camp.
Heavy rains from a tropical cyclone struck the islands of the Comoros in March, 2014. On the island of Anjouan in the Union of Comoros, these rains triggered landslides that displaced over 3000 people to refugee camps. The USGS and the OFDA with USAID are providing support and research assistance on these events.
Heavy rains from a tropical cyclone struck the islands of the Comoros in March, 2014. On the island of Anjouan in the Union of Comoros, these rains triggered landslides that displaced over 3000 people to refugee camps. The USGS and the OFDA with USAID are providing support and research assistance on these events.
A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck the island of Anjouan in the Union of the Comoros on March 12, 2014. Heavy rainfall trigger landslides and damages were incurred to buildings, roads, and water supplies. As a precaution, more than 3,000 citizens living below the landslides were moved to a refugee camp.
A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck the island of Anjouan in the Union of the Comoros on March 12, 2014. Heavy rainfall trigger landslides and damages were incurred to buildings, roads, and water supplies. As a precaution, more than 3,000 citizens living below the landslides were moved to a refugee camp.
A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck the island of Anjouan in the Union of the Comoros on March 12, 2014. Heavy rainfall trigger landslides and damages were incurred to buildings, roads, and water supplies. As a precaution, more than 3,000 citizens were moved to a refugee camp.
A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck the island of Anjouan in the Union of the Comoros on March 12, 2014. Heavy rainfall trigger landslides and damages were incurred to buildings, roads, and water supplies. As a precaution, more than 3,000 citizens were moved to a refugee camp.
A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck the island of Anjouan in the Union of the Comoros on March 12, 2014. Heavy rainfall trigger landslides and damages were incurred to buildings, roads, and water supplies. As a precaution, more than 3,000 citizens living below the landslides were moved to a refugee camp.
A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck the island of Anjouan in the Union of the Comoros on March 12, 2014. Heavy rainfall trigger landslides and damages were incurred to buildings, roads, and water supplies. As a precaution, more than 3,000 citizens living below the landslides were moved to a refugee camp.
A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck the island of Anjouan in the Union of the Comoros on March 12, 2014. Heavy rainfall trigger landslides and damages were incurred to buildings, roads, and water supplies. As a precaution, more than 3,000 citizens living below the landslides were moved to a refugee camp.
A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck the island of Anjouan in the Union of the Comoros on March 12, 2014. Heavy rainfall trigger landslides and damages were incurred to buildings, roads, and water supplies. As a precaution, more than 3,000 citizens living below the landslides were moved to a refugee camp.
A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck the island of Anjouan in the Union of the Comoros on March 12, 2014. Heavy rainfall trigger landslides and damages were incurred to buildings, roads, and water supplies. As a precaution, more than 3,000 citizens living below the landslides were moved to a refugee camp.
A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck the island of Anjouan in the Union of the Comoros on March 12, 2014. Heavy rainfall trigger landslides and damages were incurred to buildings, roads, and water supplies. As a precaution, more than 3,000 citizens living below the landslides were moved to a refugee camp.
Heavy rains from a tropical cyclone struck the islands of the Comoros in March, 2014. On the island of Anjouan in the Union of Comoros, these rains triggered landslides that displaced over 3000 people to refugee camps. The USGS and the OFDA with USAID are providing support and research assistance on these events.
Heavy rains from a tropical cyclone struck the islands of the Comoros in March, 2014. On the island of Anjouan in the Union of Comoros, these rains triggered landslides that displaced over 3000 people to refugee camps. The USGS and the OFDA with USAID are providing support and research assistance on these events.
Heavy rains from a tropical cyclone struck the islands of the Comoros in March, 2014. On the island of Anjouan in the Union of Comoros, these rains triggered landslides that displaced over 3000 people to refugee camps.
Heavy rains from a tropical cyclone struck the islands of the Comoros in March, 2014. On the island of Anjouan in the Union of Comoros, these rains triggered landslides that displaced over 3000 people to refugee camps.
Heavy rains from a tropical cyclone struck the islands of the Comoros in March, 2014. On the island of Anjouan in the Union of Comoros, these rains triggered landslides that displaced over 3000 people to refugee camps.
Heavy rains from a tropical cyclone struck the islands of the Comoros in March, 2014. On the island of Anjouan in the Union of Comoros, these rains triggered landslides that displaced over 3000 people to refugee camps.
Heavy rains from a tropical cyclone struck the islands of the Comoros in March, 2014. On the island of Anjouan in the Union of Comoros, these rains triggered landslides that displaced over 3000 people to refugee camps.
Heavy rains from a tropical cyclone struck the islands of the Comoros in March, 2014. On the island of Anjouan in the Union of Comoros, these rains triggered landslides that displaced over 3000 people to refugee camps.
This masonry office building in the downtown area of Concepcion, Chile collapsed as a result of the M 8.8 earthquake on Feb. 27, 2010. The construction of this building predates the establishment of strict building codes in Chile, put in place following the devastating earthquake of 1960.
This masonry office building in the downtown area of Concepcion, Chile collapsed as a result of the M 8.8 earthquake on Feb. 27, 2010. The construction of this building predates the establishment of strict building codes in Chile, put in place following the devastating earthquake of 1960.
A well-engineered high rise apartment and two-story building in Talca, Chile suffered no evident damage, though much of the city was affected by the M 8.8 earthquake on Feb. 27, 2010. Many buildings in this city were constructed with adobe or masonry and suffered major collapse.
A well-engineered high rise apartment and two-story building in Talca, Chile suffered no evident damage, though much of the city was affected by the M 8.8 earthquake on Feb. 27, 2010. Many buildings in this city were constructed with adobe or masonry and suffered major collapse.
A one hundred year old adobe building in Talca, Chile suffered near-total collapse during the M 8.8 earthquake on Feb. 27, 2010. Adobe, which is made of clay, sand and straw, is no longer used as a building material in Chile, but ancient structures are still common and can pose a hazard to their occupants.
A one hundred year old adobe building in Talca, Chile suffered near-total collapse during the M 8.8 earthquake on Feb. 27, 2010. Adobe, which is made of clay, sand and straw, is no longer used as a building material in Chile, but ancient structures are still common and can pose a hazard to their occupants.