A comprehensive geologic framework of the National Crustal Model for seismic hazard studies in the conterminous United States

Lithosphere
By:  and 

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Abstract

A three-dimensional (3D) geologic framework has been developed for the conterminous United States (U.S.) as part of the U.S. Geological Survey National Crustal Model to enhance seismic hazard modeling. The geologic framework is created from geologic maps and multiple subsurface geologic unit boundaries including the base of the Miocene, Cenozoic, Phanerozoic, and the Mohorovičić discontinuity. Modifications are made to surficial geologic maps to remove discontinuities across state and country borders. The subsurface distribution of rock type and age is extrapolated from the surface, seeded with subsurface geologic information, and constrained by a map of basement geology. The framework provides the basis for estimates of subsurface seismic velocity and density that is needed to improve estimates of earthquake ground shaking and seismic hazard. The present framework greatly expands and updates a previously published 3D geologic framework of the western part of the U.S. that was itself a first-of-its-kind digital 3D portrayal of the nation.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title A comprehensive geologic framework of the National Crustal Model for seismic hazard studies in the conterminous United States
Series title Lithosphere
DOI 10.2113/2025/lithosphere_2025_117
Volume 2025
Issue 4
Publication Date December 18, 2025
Year Published 2025
Language English
Publisher GeoScienceWorld
Contributing office(s) Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Geologic Hazards Science Center - Seismology / Geomagnetism
Description lithosphere_2025_117, 16 p.
Country United States
Other Geospatial conterminous United States
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