|
|
SpatialNews Press Release
Northeastern U.S. Not Immune from Earthquake Dangers, New USGS Map Reveals
Jump to Website Here
BOSTON - California and Seattle aren't the only places in the United States prone to earthquake danger. Over 1,000 earthquakes have hit the
Northeast over the last 360 years according to a new map and fact sheet released today by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and Northeast
States Emergency Consortium (NESEC).
The large-format colored map features "Earthquakes in and Near the Northeastern U.S., 1638-1998". It identifies many earthquakes that were
destructive, including those that struck Boston, New York City, and other urban areas. The map summarizes effects of the most notable
earthquakes, and contains various newspaper headlines and damage photographs.
"Earthquake hazards are a reality in the Northeast," said David Russ, USGS Eastern Regional Geologist. "The historical perspective provided by
this new map reminds us that we must not be complacent about earthquake dangers in Northeastern states."
Although earthquakes cannot be reliably predicted or prevented today, the new map and accompanying fact sheet are intended to increase public
awareness of Northeastern earthquake hazards.
"The Seattle earthquake of February 28, 2001 showed that advance preparation can reduce the damage, suffering, and economic impact of a large
earthquake," said Russ. "These new publications will be valuable tools for officials, citizens, engineers, and scientists who are working to minimize
the effects of future Northeastern earthquakes."
The last significant earthquake in the Northeastern U.S. was a magnitude 5.2 centered in Pymatuning Reservoir, Penn., on September 25, 1998.
The most recent damaging earthquake to hit the Boston area was the magnitude 6.0 Cape Ann shock of 1755. "This cooperative effort between
the USGS and NESEC has been a huge success," said Edward S. Fratto, Executive Director of the Northeast States Emergency Consortium.
"The map represents the practical application of scientific knowledge into an effective earthquake hazard awareness tool. This partnership
demonstrates how much more can be accomplished when scientists and emergency managers work together to achieve a common goal."
Copies of the map and fact sheet will be available by mail, telephone, and Web as follows:
Large-format map, "Earthquakes in and near the northeastern U.S., 1638-1998": Paper copy: call 1-888-ASK-USGS and request USGS map
I-2737. Price is $7 plus $5 shipping and handling. Digital version: download files free from
http://greenwood.cr.usgs.gov/pub/i-maps/i-2737/.
Fact sheet, same title as map, free: Paper copies: call 1-888-ASK-USGS and request USGS Fact Sheet FS-006-01. Digital version: download a
PDF free from http://greenwood.cr.usgs.gov/pub/fact-sheets/fs-006-01/ .
The USGS serves the nation by providing reliable scientific information to: describe and understand the Earth; minimize loss of life and property
from natural disasters; manage water, biological, energy, and mineral resources; and enhance and protect our quality of life
Search GeoCommunity for Related Stories
Return to Today's News Index
|
|
Sponsored by:
For information
regarding
advertising rates
Click Here!
|
