QUATERNARY FAULT AND FOLD DATABASE OF THE UNITED STATES--QFAULTS.CR.USGS.GOV

This year, the U.S. Geological Survey launched a web-based database that characterizes the hundreds of faults nationwide that have a history of large-magnitude earthquakes during the Quaternary. This is the first national compilation to show the location of the faults with supporting data. Because we want this product to reach a variety of users, it is publicly available on the Internet. Simplified fault descriptions are available as well as complete descriptions containing all citable references. Many fields in the fault descriptions are searchable, thus providing users with a unique research tool.

The compilation serves a number of audiences. First, the general public is interested in knowing the location of hazardous faults that may impact their lives. This web site provides easy to use maps and simple descriptions of the potentially active faults in the United States. Second, the web site is useful for scientists involved in seismic hazard analysis. For the first time, this community has access to all pertinent data in one location. Individual records in the database provide supporting data to characterize faults in most types of seismic hazard analysis. Finally, paleoseismologists have a tool at their disposal that will show them where detailed fault studies have been completed as well as summaries of the results of those studies, thereby highlighting locations where more work needs to be done.

In addition to fault descriptions, the web site offers two different geographic interfaces. We provide a set of static maps with links to the individual records for users who may not have high-speed connections. For those who have faster Internet connections, we provide an interactive map page with links to the appropriate record. This web site is now available due to the enormous dedication of many people over the past decade. The U.S. Geological Survey acknowledges their commitment and thanks them for their contributions.