Maximizing National Security, EconomyResilience: Strengthened Investment in U.S. Earthquake Science

Strengthening Investment in Earthquake Science for National Security, Economic Competitiveness, Resilient Communities, and Skilled Workforce

A robust and sustned federal investment in geoscience programs, particularly those focused on earthquake science, is essential to protecting national security, enhancing economic competitiveness, supporting resilient communities, and cultivating a highly skilled workforce. Fundamental earth science research enables the nation to monitor, prepare for, understand environmental health challenges, and safely access natural resources such as oil and gas.

The United States Government supports geoscience, seismology, and earthquake engineering through various agencies:

• United States Geological Survey USGS:

  • Generates national and urban seismic hazard maps that inform building codes, assess risk, and influence public policy via the Earthquake Hazards Program.

  • Provides near-real-time ground shaking assessments for post-earthquake damage evaluation, response, and recovery through ShakeMaps.

  • Operates global data collection systems like the Global Seismographic Network in collaboration with the National Science Foundation NSF, and Landsat satellite missions that provide multispectral Earth imagery critical for natural hazards assessment.

  • Manages the Advanced National Seismic System ANSS, featuring a national backbone network and regional networks operated by USGS and partners. ANSS data supports emergency response actions, inputs seismic hazard maps creation, and ShakeMap generation.

  • Offers grants for earthquake research med at reducing losses due to earthquakes, better characterizing earthquake sources, and educating the public about earthquake safety.

• National Science Foundation NSF:

  • Funds over half of all geoscience research conducted by U.S. universities through grants med at understanding and mitigating geologic hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions, floods, and droughts.

  • Supports the Seismological Facility for Advancement of Geoscience SAGE, a national facility that provides state-of-the-art seismic and related geophysical instrumentation and services to foster research and education in earth sciences.

  • Fosters cutting-edge discoveries, applications, and educational advancements through the Geodetic Facility for Advancement of Geoscience GAGE, which is supported by USGS and NASA.

• National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA:

  • Manages Earth Surface and Interior program that analyzes Earth's dynamics to improve capability in assessing and responding to natural hazards.

  • Conducts fundamental research using global observations from satellite missions for better understanding the entirety of Earth’s environment.

• Other Federal Agencies:

  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NOAA, National Institute of Standards and Technology NIST, Federal Emergency Management Agency FEMA, Nuclear Regulatory Commission:

  • Support earth sciences, interconnections between solid earth, oceans, and atmosphere research.

  • Enhance earthquake recording and analysis capabilities, particularly for tsunami warnings through NOAA’s National Weather Service satellite data.

  • Provide loss estimates for property and lives due to earthquakes through FEMA's HAZUS and RiskMap programs.

  • Integrate natural hazard and risk information with performance measures into NRC regulations, guidance, and oversight processes.

• Department of Energy DOE:

  • Geothermal Technologies Office: Improves the quality and quantity of geothermal drilling targets using seismic data analysis for exploration and extraction.

  • National Nuclear Security Administration NNSA: Undertakes seismic research to enhance national and international capabilities in monitoring nuclear weapon development, testing, and compliance with nuclear testing treaties.

• Department of Defense DOD:

  • Manages a seismic research program essential for national security requirements concerning monitoring nuclear explosions and compliance with nuclear testing treaties.

  • Operates components of the GPS global navigation satellite system that provides critical data for natural hazard assessment.

  • Supports earthquake science through funding or collaborative initiatives.

The federal government plays a pivotal role in investing in earthquake science progra ensure national security, economic stability, community resilience, workforce development, and environmental stewardship. This collective effort is crucial for addressing seismic risks, promoting innovation, fostering global collaboration on geosciences, and safeguarding our infrastructure agnst potential catastrophic impacts of earthquakes.

For more information, please contact:

Seismological Society of America

400 Evelyn Avenue, Suite 201

Albany, California, 94706

Tel: +1 510 525-5474

Fax: +1 510 525-7204

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