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Study demonstrates excellent potential of earthquake early warning system in Alaska

A new report estimates that an earthquake early warning (EEW) system could provide at least 10 seconds of warning time for hazardous shaking in Alaska. Increasing the density and spacing of seismic stations can add up to 15 seconds, according to researchers. The study aims to help expand the US ShakeAlert system to Alaska.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 5, 2025

Research shows Alaska early quake warning system could provide critical seconds

A proposed earthquake early warning system for Alaska could provide critical seconds of warning time before strong shaking, according to research by Alex Fozkos. The system would use a network of seismic sensors to detect an earthquake's fast-moving primary waves and send alerts before slower secondary waves arrive.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateAug 5, 2025

University of Maryland geophysicist helps identify moonquake dangers that could threaten future missions

Researchers found that ground acceleration from moonquakes can shift lunar landscapes and threaten stability of future missions. The study assesses damage risk using new models of quakes and finds a one in 20 million chance of a potentially damaging moonquake occurring near an active fault.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 30, 2025

Earthquake caught on camera

A recent study analyzed CCTV footage of the 2025 Myanmar Earthquake, capturing unprecedented details about the fault motion. The team found that the fault slipped sideways by 2.5 meters in just 1.3 seconds, with a maximum speed of 3.2 meters per second.

SourceKyoto University·JournalThe Seismic Record·TypeObservational study·DateJul 21, 2025

First analyses of Myanmar earthquake conclude fault ruptured at supershear velocity

Researchers analyzed seismic data to conclude that the 2025 Myanmar earthquake ruptured at supershear velocity, reaching speeds of up to 6 kilometers per second. The rupture occurred along a 480-kilometer stretch of the Sagaing Fault, causing significant damage and loss of life in Myanmar and neighboring countries.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalThe Seismic Record·TypeObservational study·DateJul 18, 2025

Lighting a new way to predict earthquakes

A new laboratory earthquake model connects the microscopic real contact area between fault surfaces to earthquake occurrences, offering insights into earthquake mechanics and potential prediction. Continuous monitoring of physical properties could provide new tools for short-term systems and reliable prediction.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2025

The world's first near-real-time prediction model for earthquake-triggered landslides has been developed, initiating a new era in hazard prevention

A new near-real-time prediction model for earthquake-triggered landslides has been developed, utilizing a global database of 398,698 mapped events and cutting-edge deep learning. The model achieves spatial accuracy exceeding 82% and can generate probability maps of landslide occurrence in under one minute.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMay 28, 2025

Flood risk increasing in Pacific Northwest

A recent study by Virginia Tech researchers found that a major earthquake could expand the coastal floodplain by 35-116 square miles, affecting thousands of residents and properties. The impact would be most severe in southern Washington, northern Oregon, and northern California.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 28, 2025

Noto quake 3D model adds dimension to understand earthquake dynamics

A team of researchers from the University of Tokyo used simulations to create a detailed 3D model of a fault, which helped them understand how different parts of a fault contribute to uplift during an earthquake. The study revealed that fault geometry is a critical factor in determining the impact of earthquakes on land.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalEarth Planets and Space·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 28, 2025

Coseismic surface ruptures of 2023 Türkiye earthquake doublet, and seismic hazard assessment of the East Anatolian Fault Zone

This study used high-resolution satellite data to rapidly assess coseismic surface ruptures caused by the 2023 Türkiye earthquake doublet. The research found separate rupture zones for each earthquake and highlighted seismic hazard risks for specific fault segments, including the Malatya Fault and East Anatolian Fault Zone.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·TypeCase study·DateApr 3, 2025

New study by Reichman University in collaboration with the Geological Survey of Israel reveals: The Israeli public prefers faster earthquake warnings — even at the cost of lower accuracy

A new study by Reichman University and the Geological Survey of Israel found that the Israeli public prioritizes faster earthquake warnings over accuracy. Injuries from early warnings were negligible compared to damage without warnings.

SourceReichman University·JournalNatural Hazards·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2025

Researchers forecast shaking damage from crustal earthquake scenarios in Mexico City

Researchers forecast shaking damage from crustal earthquake scenarios in Mexico City, with varying levels of damage depending on the region's underlying geology. The study modeled earthquakes up to magnitude 5.5 and found that one- to two-story buildings received the most damage, particularly in areas with soft lakebed sediments.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2025

Heat from the sun affects seismic activity on Earth

Researchers found a correlation between solar heat and seismic activity, suggesting that incorporating solar activity predictions into detailed Earth temperature models can improve earthquake forecasts. This study sheds light on the role of solar heat in triggering earthquakes, potentially providing a more accurate prediction method.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalChaos An Interdisciplinary Journal of Nonlinear Science·DateMar 4, 2025

New computer model can predict the length of a household's displacement in any U.S. community after a disaster

A new study developed a computer model to predict household displacement duration in US communities after disasters, accounting for socioeconomic factors. The model combines physical damage estimates with socioeconomic characteristics to help inform risk mitigation strategies.

SourceSociety for Risk Analysis·JournalRisk Analysis·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 26, 2025

Study debunks nuclear test misinformation following 2024 Iran earthquake

A recent study published in Seismica journal has debunked claims that a magnitude 4.5 earthquake in Iran was a covert nuclear weapons test. The researchers analyzed seismic signals from the event and concluded that it was caused by natural geological forces, contradicting widespread misinformation on social media and news outlets.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalSeismica·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 4, 2025