The USGS and its partners deliver a number of near-real-time tools to improve understanding of an earthquake sequence as it unfolds. These tools enable emergency responders, government officials, scientists, and residents to rapidly identify the most likely damages and problems, and thus make the best possible decisions.
Simulated versions of many of these products were created for the magnitude 7.8 ShakeOut Scenario Earthquake, for use during the Great Southern California ShakeOut. We encourage everyone to try these tools during the earthquake drill and discover how useful they could be in a real earthquake.
ShakeMap
About ShakeMap
ShakeMap is a product of the U.S. Geological Survey Earthquake Hazards Program in conjunction with regional seismic network operators. ShakeMap sites provide near-real-time maps of ground motion and shaking intensity following significant earthquakes. These maps are used by federal, state, and local organizations, both public and private, for post-earthquake response and recovery, public and scientific information, as well as for preparedness exercises and disaster planning.
ShakeOut Scenario ShakeMaps
ShakeMaps were created for the ShakeOut Scenario mainshock and the four largest aftershocks, which will be used in the 2008 Golden Guardian emergency response exercises. All may be viewed or downloaded from the ShakeMap scenario web page.
More Data Mean A Better Map
In a real earthquake, data will keep coming in and thus understanding will improve with time. That is why information on magnitudes may fluctuate, and that is why ShakeMaps may be updated as additional data are available. The map on the left shows an early ShakeOut Scenario ShakeMap, with fewer data points. It was made by assuming that data would not immediately be available from every station in the Southern California Seismic Network. The official ShakeOut Scenario ShakeMap was created using data from a computer model rather than the seismic network, and has more data points than exist in the current seismic network. It would take a network with additional stations to get this level of detail in the ShakeMap of an actual earthquake.
USGS Earthquake Information
About the Web Site
The USGS Earthquake Hazards Program provides real-time earthquake information for all recorded earthquakes in the U.S. and worldwide. The information includes basic data, maps, tectonic setting, secondary impacts, access to USGS products, and links to event data from other organizations.
ShakeOut Scenario Products
A representative sample of these products is available on the ShakeOut Scenario Preliminary Earthquake Report web page. These include a poster for news conferences and briefings, plus maps and lists of the mainshock and aftershocks, created especially for the ShakeOut.
ShakeCast
About ShakeCast
ShakeCast is an application for automating ShakeMap delivery to critical users and for automatic notifications when shaking thresholds are exceeded at user-selected facilities. ShakeCast users who need information about how to use the software during the ShakeOut drill should request information through the ShakeCast website.
CISN Display
About CISN Display
The California Integrated Seismic Network (CISN) is a partnership among federal, state, and university agencies involved in California earthquake monitoring. CISN Display is an integrated, Web-enabled, earthquake notification system that provides users with maps of real-time seismicity, and automatically provides access to Web-related earthquake products such as ShakeMaps. It has proven value within the emergency response and business communities. A user must first apply for a CISN Display account, and then install a simple software package.
ShakeOut Scenario Simulated CISN Display
So as not to alarm actual CISN Display users around the globe (“a magnitude 7.8 earthquake in southern California!?”), during the ShakeOut a separate server will provide ShakeOut Scenario earthquake and aftershock data. This simulated CISN Display will behave like the real one, and provide information and maps that are updated shortly after earthquakes occur. To use the simulated display, download the ShakeOut Simulation software from the CISN web site and install it before November 13, 2008. Then, shortly after the mainshock occurs, your CISN Display will provide maps and lists of earthquake location, magnitude, time of occurrence; ShakeMaps for the mainshock and largest aftershocks; and updates as they become available.
