US Geological Survey (Continued) 
United States Earthquakes 
Publication Interval: Yearly 
Location: The 50 states 
Period of Coverage: From 1928 to present 
Contents: This series describes all the earthquakes that were reported felt 
in the United States and nearby territories during the period of record. Its 
purpose is to provide a continuous history of US earthquakes for studying 
seismic risk, evaluating nuclear power plant sites, designing earthquake 
resistive structures, and answering inquiries from the scientific and general 
public. 
The publication is composed of four major chapters: "Earthquake Descrip- 
tions," which includes a summary of macroseismic data reported for each earth- 
quake and a chronological list of earthquakes by state; "Network Operations," 
which summarizes the results from local seismic networks; ''Miscellaneous 
Activities," which contains information on crustal movement studies, tsunamis, 
and principal earthquakes of the world; and "Strong-Motioned Seismograph 
Datars 
The intensity and macroseismic data in "Earthquake Descriptions" are 
compiled through questionnaires, newspaper articles, and reports prepared by 
the government and various other sources. Each description includes date, 
origin, time, hypocenter, the source of the hypocenter calculation, maximum 
intensity (modified Mercalli), and macroseismic effects felt in the area. 
Pre-1980 issues may vary in form and content. 
The US Geological Survey publishes preliminary intensity data in its 
quarterly circular, "Earthquakes in the United States." Copies of these 
reports are available on request from: Eastern Distribution Branch, US 
Geological Survey, 1200 South Eads Street, Arlington, VA 22202 
(703) 557-2751, FITS 557-2751. 
The final information is published in the "United States Earthquakes" 
series. 
Additional Information: This series is published jointly by US 
Department of the Interior, Geological Survey; 
and US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration. This publica- 
tion is a consolidation of the monthly publica- 
tion "Preliminary Determination of Epicenters, 
Monthly Listing."" The data are compiled and 
analyzed for all 12 months and the "United 
States Earthquakes" series is then presented. 
The later publication may be of more value if 
information other than raw data is desired. 
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