Earthquakes in United States
The United States experiences more M3+ earthquakes annually than almost any other country, spread across the West Coast, Alaska, Hawaii, the Pacific Northwest, and the New Madrid Seismic Zone in the central US. Alaska alone accounts for 11% of all earthquakes on Earth.
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Live statistics from USGS · Updated every 60 seconds. Open the full live map →
Latest Earthquakes in United States
View all on map| Time (UTC) | Magnitude | Place | Depth (km) |
|---|---|---|---|
Live data from USGS · Updates every 60 seconds
View on live map →Why United States Has Frequent Earthquakes
The western US is shaped by the interaction of the Pacific and North American plates along the San Andreas Fault system in California. The Pacific Northwest faces the Cascadia Subduction Zone, capable of a M9.0+ earthquake. Alaska sits at the Aleutian Trench. The central US contains the New Madrid Seismic Zone — a major intraplate system that produced four M7+ earthquakes in 1811-1812.
Sources: USGS Earthquake Hazards Program · National geological survey · Peer-reviewed seismological literature
Major Historical Earthquakes in United States
The most significant seismic events recorded in United States, sourced from USGS and national geological surveys.
| Year | Magnitude | Location | Deaths | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1964 | M9.2 | Prince William Sound, Alaska | 131 | Largest earthquake in North American history; triggered catastrophic tsunamis across Alaska and the Pacific. |
| 1906 | M7.9 | San Francisco, California | 3,000 | Destroyed San Francisco; remains the deadliest natural disaster in California history. |
| 1994 | M6.7 | Northridge, California | 57 | $44 billion in damage from a previously unknown blind thrust fault beneath Los Angeles. |
| 1989 | M6.9 | Loma Prieta, California | 63 | Struck during the World Series; collapsed the Bay Bridge and Cypress Freeway in Oakland. |
Sources: USGS Earthquake Hazards Program · National geological survey · Peer-reviewed seismological literature
Earthquake Safety in United States
How to prepare for and respond to earthquakes in United States.
View full safety guideShakeAlert, the USGS earthquake early warning system, covers the West Coast and sends warnings via wireless emergency alerts to mobile phones. Download Earthquake Globe for magnitude-specific notifications. Know your local seismic risk by checking USGS hazard maps.
Official preparedness guidance: FEMA / USGS
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about earthquakes in United States.
What is the most earthquake-prone state in the USA?
Alaska experiences the most earthquakes by number, accounting for about 11% of all earthquakes on Earth. California has the most damaging earthquakes affecting large populations. Hawaii, Nevada, Washington, Oregon, and Utah also face significant seismic hazard.
What is the Cascadia Subduction Zone risk?
The Cascadia Subduction Zone offshore the Pacific Northwest last ruptured in a M9.0 earthquake on January 26, 1700. Scientists estimate a 37% probability of a full M9+ rupture within 50 years. Such an event would trigger a Pacific Northwest tsunami with 15-30 minute warning for coastal communities.
What was the largest earthquake in US history?
The 1964 Good Friday earthquake (M9.2) in Prince William Sound, Alaska is the largest earthquake ever recorded in the United States and the second largest in global recorded history. It generated catastrophic tsunamis affecting Alaska, Oregon, California, and Hawaii, killing 131 people.
What is the New Madrid Seismic Zone?
The New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ) is a major intraplate fault system in the central US covering parts of Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Illinois. In 1811-1812 it produced four earthquakes estimated at M7.0-7.9, creating temporary waterfalls on the Mississippi River and ringing church bells in Washington DC.
How can I get earthquake alerts in the USA?
ShakeAlert, the USGS early warning system, covers California, Oregon, and Washington and delivers wireless emergency alerts to phones. Earthquake Globe provides real-time push notifications for any US location with customizable magnitude thresholds. USGS also operates earthquake.usgs.gov with live data.
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