USGS has shown that the 3D structure of the Earth has a significant impact on how strongly an earthquake is felt at different locations. They have employed earthquake fault maps and seismic data to produce the "3D Geologic and Seismic Velocity Model of the San Francisco Bay Region". This model is based upon the idea that the amount of ground shaking at a site depends on the local rock formations, soil conditions, and the subsurface structure along the path of the seismic waves.
Important applications of the model include:
- Forecasting strong ground motions that may damage buildings and essential infrastructure or destroy levees in the Sacramento Delta
- Predicting where destructive liquefaction of the ground may occur
- Locating earthquakes more accurately
- Defining the extent of groundwater aquifers and modeling of subsurface transport of contaminants
Image by USGSLearn more about
3D Earthquake Fault Maps and Modeling at the USGS website.
Labels: Earthquakes, Maps
