USGS Open-File Report 2014–1025–A: Earthquake Catalog for Estimation of Maximum Earthquake Magnitude, Central and Eastern United States

Earthquake Catalog for Estimation of Maximum Earthquake Magnitude, Central and Eastern United States—Part A, Prehistoric Earthquakes

By Russell L. Wheeler

Abstract

Computation of probabilistic earthquake hazard requires an estimate of Mmax, the maximum earthquake magnitude thought to be possible within a specified geographic region. This report is Part A of an Open-File Report that describes the construction of a global catalog of moderate to large earthquakes, from which one can estimate Mmax for most of the Central and Eastern United States and adjacent Canada. The catalog and Mmax estimates derived from it were used in the 2014 edition of the U.S. Geological Survey national seismic-hazard maps. This Part A discusses prehistoric earthquakes that occurred in eastern North America, northwestern Europe, and Australia, whereas a separate Part B deals with historical events.

First posted May 16, 2014

Report PDF (1.12 MB)

Open-File Report 2014–1025–B (Part B)

For additional information, contact:
Director, Geologic Hazards Science Center
U.S. Geological Survey
Denver Federal Center
PO Box 25046 MS-966
Denver, CO 80225
http://geohazards.cr.usgs.gov/

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Suggested citation:

Wheeler, R.L., 2014, Earthquake catalog for estimation of maximum earthquake magnitude, Central and Eastern United States—Part A, Prehistoric earthquakes: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2014–1025–A, 26 p., https://dx.doi.org/10.3133/ofr20141025A.

ISSN 2331-1258 (online)

Contents

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

The Earthquake Catalog

Conclusions

Acknowledgments

References Cited