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Open-File Report 2009-1131

Prompt Assessment of Global Earthquakes for Response (PAGER): A System for Rapidly Determining the Impact of Earthquakes Worldwide

By Paul S. Earle, David J. Wald, Kishor S. Jaiswal, Trevor I. Allen, Michael G. Hearne, Kristin D. Marano, Alicia J. Hotovec, and Jeremy M. Fee

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Abstract

Within minutes of a significant earthquake anywhere on the globe, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Prompt Assessment of Global Earthquakes for Response (PAGER) system assesses its potential societal impact. PAGER automatically estimates the number of people exposed to severe ground shaking and the shaking intensity at affected cities. Accompanying maps of the epicentral region show the population distribution and estimated ground-shaking intensity. A regionally specific comment describes the inferred vulnerability of the regional building inventory and, when available, lists recent nearby earthquakes and their effects. PAGER’s results are posted on the USGS Earthquake Program Web site (http://earthquake.usgs.gov/), consolidated in a concise one-page report, and sent in near real-time to emergency responders, government agencies, and the media. Both rapid and accurate results are obtained through manual and automatic updates of PAGER’s content in the hours following significant earthquakes. These updates incorporate the most recent estimates of earthquake location, magnitude, faulting geometry, and first-hand accounts of shaking. PAGER relies on a rich set of earthquake analysis and assessment tools operated by the USGS and contributing Advanced National Seismic System (ANSS) regional networks. A focused research effort is underway to extend PAGER’s near real-time capabilities beyond population exposure to quantitative estimates of fatalities, injuries, and displaced population.

First posted July 2, 2009

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Suggested citation:

Earle, P.S., Wald, D.J., Jaiswal, K.S., Allen, T.I., Hearne, M.G, Marano, K.D., Hotovec, A.J., and Fee, J.M., 2009, Prompt Assessment of Global Earthquakes for Response (PAGER)—A system for rapidly determining the impact of earthquakes worldwide: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2009-1131, 15 p.

 



Contents

Abstract

Introduction

PAGER Processing

Hypocenter and Magnitude Estimates

Calculation of Ground Shaking: ShakeMap

Exposure Estimates

PAGER Products

Web Pages

E-mail Alerts

PAGER Examples

Increasing Population Exposure with Magnitude

Improved Shaking Estimates with Time

Effect of Building Vulnerability on Casualties

PAGER Future

Summary

References Cited

Accessibility FOIA Privacy Policies and Notices

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