Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, we try to bring together answers to some frequently asked questions about earthquakes and seismology. In addition to compiling our own answers, we have provided links to useful information on other organizations' WWW servers. If you can't find the answer to your question, feel free to send us some e-mail at www@seismo.berkeley.edu. You should hear from us in a day or two, but we can't promise to answer every question. And questions sent to us are no substitute for doing research on your term paper! You can also contact the USGS through the Ask a Geologist Program.
Like the earth, this website is perpetually "under construction" - and some questions don't have answers yet!
Contents
- Glossaries of Earthquake Terms
- Current Earthquake Information
- Common myths and misconceptions about earthquakes
- Earthquakes, Faults, Plate Tectonics
- Measuring Earthquakes
- Earthquake Effects
- Earthquake Engineering and Seismic Hazard
- Historic Earthquakes and Earthquake Statistics
- Nuclear Explosions and Seismology
- Northern California Geology and Seismicity
- Questions and Answers on earthquakes in other areas
- Other Resources
- Other FAQs
Glossaries of Earthquake Terms
Current Earthquake Information
- I just felt something! Is it an earthquake?
- How can I report an earthquake experience?
- Where I can search an earthquake catalog?
- Today in Earthquake History from NEIC
Common myths and misconceptions about earthquakes
- Can animal behavior help predict earthquakes? - from the USGS
- What about people who claim to become ill or suffer from symptoms before an earthquake strikes? - from the USGS.
- Is there any relation between the weather and earthquakes? from the USGS.
- Can the ground open up during an earthquake? from the USGS.
- Can the position of the moon or the planets affect seismicity?
- Will California eventually break off from the rest of the United States?
- Has annual earthquake activity been on the rise? - from the USGS
Earthquakes, Faults, and Plate Tectonics
- What do we know about the interior of the Earth? - from the University of Nevada, Reno
- What is plate tectonics?
- What is a fault and what are the different types?
- Can you explain the relationship between faults and earthquakes? - from the University of Nevada, Reno
- What does an earthquake feel like? from the USGS.
- Can we cause/prevent earthquakes? from the USGS.
- Can earthquakes be predicted?
- Foreshocks, aftershocks - what's the difference?
- How can I find out about faults in my area?
- How can I find out about earthquakes in my area? from USGS
- Understanding Earthquakes from UC Santa Barbara
- What about volcanoes?
- What about tsunamis?
Measuring Earthquakes
- How do scientists measure earthquakes?
- How can I make my own seismometer?
- What does an earthquake look like?
- How do seismologists locate an earthquake? - from the USGS Menlo Park
- How do seismologists measure the size of an earthquake? from the USGS
- How do seismologists calculate the magnitude of an earthquake?
- What is intensity?
- What are those beachball figures?
Earthquake Effects
- What are the effects of earthquakes?
- At what magnitude will damage begin to occur? from the USGS
- Where can I find photographs of earthquake damage?
- How do seismologists classify ground shaking? - from the USGS
- What are isoseismal maps? - a brief answer from the USGS
Earthquake Engineering & Seismic Hazard
- What is a seismic hazard map? - from the USGS
- Where can I find seismic hazard maps?
- How are engineers making bridges and buildings safer from earthquakes?
- What are the principles of earthquake engineering? - from EERC
- What are the Guidelines for evaluating and mitigating seismic hazards in California? from the California Geological Survey
Historic Earthquakes and Earthquake Statistics
- Was 1999 an unusual year in terms of the number of earthquakes?
- Where I find a list of the largest earthquakes in my town?
- Where can I find a list of the most destructive earthquakes in the world? - from the USGS, NEIC
- Where can I find a list of the largest earthquakes in the United States? - from the USGS, NEIC
- Where can I find a list of significant California earthquakes? - from the USGS, NEIC
- Where can I find other lists of earthquakes - from the USGS, NEIC
Nuclear Explosions and Seismology
- What is the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty?
- What is the role of seismology in monitoring a CTBT?
- What about the 1998 Indian and Pakistani explosions?
- What are the differences between explosions and earthquakes?
- Can nuclear explosions cause earthquakes?
Northern California Geology and Seismicity
- Where can I find a map of Bay Area faults?
- What is the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act? from the California Geological Survey
- What is the probability of a large earthquake in the San Francisco Bay Region? from the USGS
- Where can I learn more about the San Andreas fault?
- Where can I learn more about the Hayward fault?
- Where can I find a list of significant Bay Area earthquakes?
- What is the rate of seismicity in California?
- Can I take a virtual field trip?
- Where can I go for more information on Bay Area earthquake hazards?
- What is going on in ....
Questions and Answers on earthquakes in other areas
- Washington and Oregon - from the University of Washington
- Nevada - from the University of Nevada, Reno
- Utah - from the University of Utah
- Maryland - from the State of Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Other resources
- What are some good books on earthquakes and geology?
- Where can I find information on earthquake preparedness and safety?
- Where can I find educational materials?
- Where can I find other online resources on earthquakes?
