How does the local geology affect seismic hazard maps?
Earthquake waves are slowed in soils and softer sediments, which increases their amplitude over their amplitude when traveling though solid rock. Thus the presence of sediments under a site can dramatically increase ground shaking.
EarthScope Consortium operates the NSF Geodetic Facility for the Advancement of Geoscience (GAGE) and NSF
Seismological Facility for the Advancement of Geoscience (SAGE). Any opinions, findings and conclusions, or
recommendations expressed in this material do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. National Science
Foundation.
