Frequently Asked Questions

What is Earthquake Radar?

Earthquake Radar is a free, real-time earthquake monitoring platform that provides live seismic data from the USGS (United States Geological Survey). We help people track earthquakes worldwide, assess their location's earthquake risk, and report earthquake activity they've experienced.

Where does your earthquake data come from?

Our earthquake data comes directly from the USGS (United States Geological Survey), which operates a global network of seismographs. The USGS monitors earthquakes worldwide and publishes data through their public API, which we access and display in real-time. Our data updates every 5 minutes to ensure you have the latest information.

How often is the earthquake data updated?

Our earthquake map refreshes automatically every 5 minutes, pulling the latest data from USGS. When you first load the page, you're seeing earthquakes from the past 24 hours. Major earthquakes (M5.0+) appear on the map almost immediately after they occur.

Is Earthquake Radar free to use?

Yes! Earthquake Radar is completely free for everyone. We believe earthquake information should be accessible to all. If you find our service valuable, you can support us through PayPal or Patreon, but it's entirely optional.

How do you calculate earthquake risk scores?

Our risk calculator uses a weighted formula based on three factors:

• Fault Proximity (0-40 points): Distance to the nearest active fault using USGS fault databases
• Recent Seismic Activity (0-40 points): Earthquake frequency and magnitude within 500km over the past 7 days
• Geological Context (0-20 points): Regional tectonic setting (Ring of Fire, subduction zones, etc.)

The total score (0-100) indicates your area's relative earthquake risk. This is a general assessment tool, not a prediction system.

What does "Did You Feel It?" do?

Our "Did You Feel It?" feature allows users to report earthquakes they've experienced. When you submit a report, you provide your location and intensity rating (1-10). These reports help validate seismic data and show how far earthquakes were felt. Your reports are stored securely and displayed anonymously on our platform.

Can I use Earthquake Radar on mobile devices?

Yes! Earthquake Radar is fully responsive and works on all devices - desktop computers, tablets, and smartphones. The interface automatically adjusts to your screen size for the best viewing experience.

Do you have an API or can I embed your map?

We don't currently offer a public API or embeddable widget, but this is something we're considering for the future. If you're interested in using our data or embedding our map, please contact us through our social media channels.

How accurate are earthquake predictions?

Scientists cannot predict earthquakes. Despite decades of research, there is no proven method to predict when or where an earthquake will strike days or weeks in advance. However, we can:

• Assess long-term risk based on historical patterns and fault locations
• Detect earthquakes within seconds after they start (early warning systems)
• Estimate probability over decades (e.g., "72% chance of M6.7+ in next 30 years")

Anyone claiming to predict specific earthquakes is not using scientifically validated methods.

What magnitude earthquake is dangerous?

Magnitude 5.0 and above can cause damage in populated areas. However, danger depends on:

• Depth: Shallow earthquakes are more destructive than deep ones
• Distance: Closer to the epicenter means stronger shaking
• Building quality: Modern buildings withstand shaking much better
• Geology: Soft sediment amplifies shaking compared to bedrock

A M6.0 shallow earthquake under a city with poor building codes can be deadlier than a M7.0 deep earthquake far from population centers. Read our complete guide to earthquake magnitudes.

How far away can you feel an earthquake?

It depends on magnitude, depth, and local geology:

• M3.0-3.9: Felt up to 10-20 km away
• M4.0-4.9: Felt up to 50-80 km away
• M5.0-5.9: Felt up to 100-200 km away
• M6.0-6.9: Felt up to 300-500 km away
• M7.0+: Felt up to 1,000+ km away

The 2011 M9.1 Tohoku earthquake in Japan was felt as far away as Beijing, China - over 2,500 km away! Learn more in our detailed article.

What's the difference between magnitude and intensity?

Magnitude measures the energy released by an earthquake at its source. It's a single number (e.g., M6.5) that doesn't change based on location.

Intensity measures the shaking experienced at a specific location. It varies with distance from the epicenter - strong near the epicenter, weak far away. The same earthquake has one magnitude but many intensities.

What causes aftershocks and how long do they last?

Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes that occur after a larger mainshock as the crust adjusts around the fault rupture. They follow a predictable pattern:

• First day: Hundreds to thousands of aftershocks
• First week: Dozens per day
• First month: Several per day
• First year: Occasional aftershocks
• Years later: Very rare aftershocks still possible

Aftershocks can be dangerous because they can collapse buildings already weakened by the mainshock. Read more about earthquakes vs aftershocks.

Can animals predict earthquakes?

There is no scientific evidence that animals can reliably predict earthquakes days or hours in advance. While anecdotal reports are common (dogs barking, birds flying erratically), scientific studies have found:

• No consistent pattern across different animals
• Many false alarms (animals acting strange with no earthquake)
• Many earthquakes with no unusual animal behavior
• No identified physical mechanism for prediction

Animals may detect P-waves (fast but weak) seconds before S-waves (slow but destructive) arrive, giving them a few seconds of warning - not prediction. Learn more in our detailed analysis.

What should I do during an earthquake?

Remember: Drop, Cover, Hold On

1. DROP to your hands and knees (prevents being knocked down)
2. COVER your head and neck under a sturdy desk or table
3. HOLD ON to your shelter and stay until shaking stops

Special situations:

• In bed: Stay there, cover head with pillow
• Outside: Move away from buildings, power lines, trees
• Driving: Pull over safely, avoid bridges and overpasses
• In a high-rise: Do NOT use elevators, stay away from windows

Do NOT: Stand in doorways (not safer than other locations), run outside during shaking, or use elevators.

How do I prepare for an earthquake?

Before an earthquake:

• Secure your home: Strap water heaters, secure bookcases and TVs, install cabinet latches
• Create emergency kit: Water (1 gallon/person/day for 3 days), non-perishable food, first aid, flashlight, battery radio, medications
• Make a plan: Identify safe spots in each room, choose out-of-state contact person, know utility shut-offs
• Practice drills: Practice "Drop, Cover, Hold On" with your family quarterly
• Consider insurance: Standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover earthquake damage

What should I do after an earthquake?

• Expect aftershocks: They will occur and can be dangerous
• Check for injuries: Provide first aid if needed
• Inspect for damage: Check gas lines, water pipes, electrical wiring
• Exit damaged buildings: Don't re-enter until inspected
• Stay informed: Listen to radio/TV for emergency information
• Help neighbors: Check on elderly or disabled neighbors
• Document damage: Take photos for insurance claims

Should I buy earthquake insurance?

If you live in a high-risk area (California, Pacific Northwest, Alaska), earthquake insurance is worth considering. Standard homeowners insurance does NOT cover earthquake damage.

Consider earthquake insurance if:

• You live within 25 miles of an active fault
• Your home was built before 1980 (less earthquake-resistant)
• Your home is on soft sediment or hillside
• You couldn't afford to rebuild without insurance

Check your earthquake risk score to help decide.

Which U.S. states have the highest earthquake risk?

Highest risk states:

1. Alaska: Most earthquakes of any state, including M9.2 in 1964
2. California: San Andreas Fault and numerous active faults
3. Hawaii: Volcanic earthquakes and Pacific Ring of Fire
4. Oregon/Washington: Cascadia Subduction Zone (overdue for M9.0+)
5. Nevada: Second most seismically active after California

Moderate risk states: Idaho, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Tennessee, South Carolina

Even states not traditionally associated with earthquakes (like Oklahoma) have seen increased seismic activity in recent years.

What is "The Big One" everyone talks about?

"The Big One" typically refers to an anticipated M7.8+ earthquake on the southern San Andreas Fault in California. Scientists estimate:

• 72% probability of M6.7+ earthquake in Bay Area by 2043
• 75% probability of M7.0+ earthquake in California within 30 years
• Could rupture 185+ miles of fault
• Shake for 1-3 minutes
• Affect 20+ million people
• Cause $200+ billion in damage

However, the Pacific Northwest's Cascadia Subduction Zone could produce an even larger M9.0+ megaquake. Read more about California earthquake risk.

What is the Ring of Fire?

The Ring of Fire is a 40,000-kilometer horseshoe-shaped zone around the Pacific Ocean where about 90% of the world's earthquakes occur. It includes:

• West Coast of North and South America
• Alaska and Aleutian Islands
• Japan, Philippines, Indonesia
• New Zealand and Pacific Islands

The Ring of Fire is so seismically active because it marks the boundaries where tectonic plates collide, creating subduction zones that produce the world's largest earthquakes and most volcanoes.

How can I support Earthquake Radar?

Earthquake Radar is a passion project that requires ongoing server costs and development time. If you find our service valuable, you can support us through:

• PayPal: One-time donations
• Patreon: Monthly support with exclusive updates
• Share: Tell friends, family, and social media about us
• Feedback: Let us know what features you'd like to see

How can I contact you?

The best way to reach us is through our social media:

• Twitter/X: @EarthquakeRDR

We respond to messages and mentions regularly. For bug reports or feature requests, please be as detailed as possible.

I found a bug or have a feature request. How do I report it?

We appreciate bug reports and feature suggestions! Please reach out via Twitter/X with:

• For bugs: What happened, what you expected, what device/browser you're using
• For features: What you'd like to see and why it would be useful

We're constantly improving Earthquake Radar based on user feedback!

More Resources

• Our Blog: In-depth articles about earthquakes and safety
• About Us: Learn more about our mission and team
• Live Map: Track earthquakes in real-time
• USGS: Official earthquake data and resources
• Ready.gov: Federal emergency preparedness guidelines

How We Calculate This

Our risk score combines geological and seismic data to give you a realistic snapshot of earthquake danger in your area. First, we determine your location and measure the distance to the nearest known fault line, using official U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) fault maps. Faults that are classified as active—particularly those with movement in the Holocene epoch (within roughly the last 11,700 years)—carry higher weight in the score. Next, we analyze recent earthquake activity from live USGS seismic feeds, looking at events within 500 kilometers of your location over the past week. Larger and more frequent earthquakes in this radius increase your score. The final number, scaled from 0 (lowest) to 100 (highest), is a weighted blend of proximity to active faults and recent seismic activity, providing a balanced, data-driven assessment of earthquake risk. This risk score is just a rough guide, not a guarantee. Earthquakes are unpredictable, and we’re not responsible for how you use this info. Think of it as a helpful snapshot, not a crystal ball.

🌍 Did You Feel It?

Your report helps improve earthquake monitoring and provides valuable data to seismologists.

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