What Determines the Level of Damage Caused by an Earthquake?
Generally the level of damage an earthquake causes to a Library, Archives, or Museums depends upon the earthquake duration and magnitude, your repository’s distance from the epicenter of the quake, as well as: • Earthquake Frequency: Based on long-term records of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), scientists expect about 18 major earthquakes (7.0 magnitude or greater) and one great earthquake (8.0 or greater magnitude) annually worldwide. • Earthquake Likelihood: FEMA experts estimate that 39 out of 50 states in the U.S. are at risk of an earthquake. Your likelihood of an earthquake varies by location. Some areas are more seismically active such as Alaska and California. Be aware of your repository’s location in relationship to tectonic plate fault and fold lines in your area, which may be located via the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program at http://earthquake.usgs.gov/regional/qfaults/. In many areas experts have predicted the actual size and impact area of future earthquakes. • Soil Amp
