Library Guides: Geology: Earthquakes

Earthquakes

Earthquakes are sudden movements of the Earth and the ground shaking that occurs after those movements caused by slip along a fault or volcanic activity. Definitions of earthquake-related terms can be found in the Earthquake Glossary, found in the Glossaries & Dictionaries section of this webliography. The following site can be used to find information about recent earthquakes and earthquake hazards.

USGS Earthquake Hazards Program
The U.S. Geological Survey's Earthquake Hazards Program web site contains near real time information on the latest earthquakes, including maps showing the locations of recent earthquakes. Clicking on an earthquake location allows the user to access more information about that quake. Each quake record contains maps showing the location, reported shaking, and seismometer traces. Users interested in earthquakes can set up RSS feeds so that they are informed of quakes. The site also provides educational resources, guides on preparing for earthquakes, and earthquake monitoring and research. When major earthquakes occur, the U.S. Geological Survey usually prepares a poster summarizing the quake location and geology of the region. These posters are also available on the site.
Earthquakes in Illinois
This website from the Illinois State Geological Survey provides a map showing the location of epicenters for Illinois earthquakes and information earthquakes and earthquake hazards in Illinois.