U.S. Geological Survey Earthquake Hazards Program
Latest Earthquakes
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- ShakeMap: Maps depicting shaking intensity
- Did You Feel It? Report an Earthquake
- PAGER: Estimate of population exposure
Regional Offices
Our scientists study locations around the world. Learn about research conducted in our regional offices, regional seismic network monitoring, and local activities of interest.
Today’s Earthquake Fact
An earthquake is caused by the shaking of the ground due to an abrupt shift of rock along a fracture in the Earth, called a fault. Within seconds, an earthquake releases stress that has slowly accumulated within the rock, sometimes over hundreds of years. Most earthquakes are caused by slow movements deep in the Earth that push against the Earth's brittle, relatively thin outer layer, causing the rocks to break suddenly.
News & Highlights
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Significant Earthquakes
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Recent Earthquakes (M 2.5+)
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Earthquake News
Featured Items
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New Quaternary Faults Web Mapping Application
Application provides a new interactive map of the Quaternary Faults that are located in the United States.
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Seismicity of the Earth 1900–2007
Map provides a comprehensive overview of significant earthquakes since 1900.




