Today the USGS released a collection of animated movies, giving a compelling look at the ShakeOut Scenario earthquake. The movies show the intensity of ground motion as the earthquake waves move through southern California, leaving destruction behind. There are 15 different viewpoints around southern California, capturing the earthquake throughout the region. In the movies, exaggeration of the ground deformation enables the viewer to see waves of distinct periods and complex motions. Some structures are vulnerable to short period waves (these are waves that repeat their motion quickly). Other structures – including tall buildings – are vulnerable to the longer-period waves that are only created in truly large earthquakes like the magnitude 7.8 ShakeOut Scenario.
