U.S. Geological Survey News

Scientists in New Mexico Predict Post-Wildfire Erosion Risks

It’s nearly impossible to predict when and where the next major wildfire will be and whether an ill-timed thunderstorm could result in tons of ash and charred debris being washed down the bare mountainsides once the flames are out. But …

Yellowstone Caldera Moves More, But No Danger

Scientists have measured rather large ground movement and a strong earthquake around the Yellowstone caldera in the last year, but they have seen nothing that raises concern that the giant volcano might erupt anytime soon, a geophysicist says. U.S. Geological …

Southern Puget Sound Area of Washington Sees Small Quake

A small earthquake rattled the southern Puget Sound area of Washington, but there were no reports of damage or injury. The U.S. Geological Survey says the magnitude 3.5 temblor struck shortly before midnight Saturday and was centered about 8 miles …

Minor Quake Shakes Nevada, Felt in Las Vegas

The U.S. Geological Survey says a small earthquake shook southwest Nevada, about 15 miles from Las Vegas. There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. The USGS reported on its website that the quake happened at 3:11 a.m. Sunday …

Washington’s Puget Sound Jolted by Magnitude-4.0 Quake

A magnitude-4.0 earthquake rattled the Puget Sound in Washington state early Wednesday. The earthquake was centered near the town of Seabeck in Kitsap County, about 40 miles west of Seattle. The shaking was felt as far away as Everett, Olympia …

4.3-Magnitude Quake in Oklahoma: USGS

The U.S. Geological Survey says an earthquake with a magnitude of 4.3 has struck northern Oklahoma. The USGS says the quake hit at 11:21 a.m. Monday 1 mile north-northeast of Medford, or 30 miles north-northeast of Enid. The earthquake had …

High Earthquake Probability for Yellowstone Region

A new U.S. Geological Survey report indicates a slightly greater earthquake hazard in the Greater Yellowstone region of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho than previously thought, a geophysicist says. “The new maps show how Yellowstone has had a relative increase in …

Southern California Gets Minor M3.6 Quake

A small earthquake has struck the San Bernardino Mountains but no damages or injuries are reported. The U.S. Geological Survey says the magnitude-3.7 quake struck at 9:55 p.m. It was centered 4 miles north of Big Bear City at a …

Northern Oklahoma Hit with 4.3 Magnitude Quake

The U.S. Geological Survey says an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 4.3 struck northern Oklahoma on Monday night. The USGS reports the quake with an epicenter about 15 miles west-southwest of Medford hit around 9:45 p.m. at a depth …

16 States Face High Risk of Earthquakes

Sixteen states are at high risk of damaging earthquakes over the next 50 years and certain areas of the United States face a higher threat of temblors than previously thought, a federal geological survey agency said. The findings come from …