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Researchers Shake Up 10-Story Building to Test Earthquake Resilience
21 Jul
Summary
- UC San Diego researchers simulated a 6.9 earthquake on a 10-story building
- USGS can quickly detect earthquakes and invites public to report experiences
- ShakeAlert Earthquake Early Warning System provides alerts to West Coast residents
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego have conducted a simulation of a 6.9 magnitude earthquake on a 10-story building to assess its structural resilience. This experiment aimed to understand how such a structure would hold up in the event of a major seismic event.
Elsewhere, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) plays a crucial role in monitoring and reporting on earthquakes across the country. The agency can quickly detect even minor tremors and provide information to the public. Additionally, the USGS operates a citizen science program called "Did You Feel It?" that encourages people to report their experiences during an earthquake, helping the agency create more accurate maps of the event's impact.
For the more than 50 million residents of California, Oregon, and Washington, the ShakeAlert Earthquake Early Warning System, managed by the USGS, can provide alerts to phones and automated systems seconds before strong shaking arrives. This early warning can give people crucial time to take cover and prepare for the quake.
