| The U.S.
Geological Survey (USGS) has unveiled a new design of its earthquake website
and a new Earthquake Notification Service (ENS). The redesigned website
and ENS will help get earthquake information out to the public in a more
timely fashion.
The USGS Earthquake Hazards Program
website, http://earthquake.usgs.gov,
is the primary method by which earthquake information is communicated to
the public, while the ENS sends out earthquake alerts to subscribers via
email. With the new system, users have more options in deciding which alerts
they receive.
The USGS earthquake website receives
over one million hits every day. Information about the latest earthquakes
occurring around the world is posted within two minutes for U.S. earthquakes
and within 30 minutes for earthquakes outside the U.S.
“With USGS science and technology,
we are striving to prevent natural hazards from becoming disasters,” said
USGS Acting Director P. Patrick Leahy. “USGS science can help save lives,
minimize property damage, and reduce risks that may result from earthquakes
and other natural hazards.”
Based on public feedback, the earthquake
website has been entirely redesigned to make it easier for Internet users
to find the information they need. The “Earthquake Center” section has
information on the latest earthquakes, past earthquakes, and earthquake
lists and statistics. ShakeMaps, RSS feeds, seismogram displays and other
real-time products can also be found here. The “Regional” link covers
earthquake information in specific states or areas. The “Learning and
Education” section includes FAQ’s and a new Earthquake Topics portion.
The “Earthquakes for Kids” portion has a new look and includes a collection
of Learning Links. The “Research and Monitoring” section covers research
being conducted by USGS earthquake scientists, as well as information about
the Advanced National Seismic System (ANSS) and other seismic networks
around the U.S. and the world.
The new Earthquake Notification
Service will replace the old system. Now with a user-friendly interface,
users will be able to define their own multiple regions of interest, enter
various notification addresses, set magnitude thresholds for day and night,
and opt for “Aftershock Exclusion,” among many other options. The system
can be found on the “Earthquake Center” section of the site. | 
