California has a 95% chance of experiencing a major earthquake – NBC Bay Area

Almost all of California has a greater than 95% chance of experiencing a damaging earthquake in the next century, according to a new map from the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

A new USGS National Seismic Hazard Model released Tuesday shows where major earthquakes are most likely to occur in the United States and updates an earlier version released in 2018.

“This was a massive, multi-year collaborative effort between federal, state and local governments and the private sector,” said Mark Peterson, USGS geophysicist and lead author of the study. “The new seismic hazard model represents a fundamental achievement in improving public safety focus,” he added.

According to the USGS, here are some key takeaways from the map:

• Risk to people: About 75% of the United States can experience potentially damaging earthquakes and strong ground shaking, putting millions of people at risk.
• Common Fears: Some 37 states in the country have experienced earthquakes of magnitude greater than 5 in the last 200 years, highlighting the long history of seismic activity across the country.
• Structural Effects: The advanced model will inform the future of structural and building design, providing important information for architects, engineers, and policymakers about how structures are planned and built in the United States.
• Integrated Approach: This marks the first National Seismic Risk Model to cover all 50 states simultaneously, reflecting a large collaborative effort with federal, state, and local partners.
• It is not a prediction: No one can predict an earthquake. However, by examining faults and past earthquakes, scientists can better assess the likelihood of future earthquakes and the magnitude of their tremors.