Citizen Science and Macroseismic Intensity in Earthquake Research, Engineering, & Risk Assessment

Macroseismic intensity observations and analyses connect our collective seismological past with the present - and the present to the future - by facilitating hazard estimates and communicating the effects of shaking to a wide variety of audiences across the ages. Traditional macroseismic surveys are now supplemented by citizen-science-based intensity observations, greatly expanding datasets that now provide vital constraints on critical aspects of earthquakes and their impacts on society, including real-time earthquake situational awareness and response. In this presentation I expand on USGS’ continuing development of near-real-time earthquake information systems that depend on macroseismology. I also examine the wide range of other uses of intensity data, in essence, connecting earthquake science, earthquake engineering, and loss and risk analyses. These important uses require us to revisit traditional macroseismic scales in a modern context, standardize internet-based collection strategies, and assure compatibility of these alternative approaches of macroseismic data collection.

Speaker: David Wald, USGS

Room 350/372

Attend in person or online.  See weblink for connection link.