"Mapping the Risk: 75% of US Faces Earthquake Threat in Next Century"

The U.S. Geological Survey has released a color-coded map indicating that nearly 75% of the continental United States, as well as Alaska and Hawaii, could experience a damaging earthquake within the next century. The map, the first to include all 50 states, aims to help geologists and engineers prepare for looming threats to the nation's infrastructure. The study identifies the central and northeastern Atlantic Coast, California, Alaska, and Hawaii as high-risk areas for earthquakes, with the report highlighting a long history of seismic activity across the country. The map provides crucial insights for architects, engineers, and policymakers as they design and construct buildings, and includes nearly 500 additional faults with potential to produce damaging shakes in the future.