-------- Original Message -------- Subject: SILS Bulletin 08-21 Atlas of shakeMaps for Selected Global Earthquakes Date: Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:50:31 -0600 From: Sheryle J Jackson <[log in to unmask]> To: undisclosed-recipients:; SILS Information Bulletin Number: 08-21 Atlas of Shake Maps for Selected Global Earthquakes Date: August 29, 2008 An online atlas of maps containing information of peak ground motions and intensity 'ShakeMaps' has been developed for almost 5,000 recent and historical global earthquakes. These maps are produced using established ShakeMap methodology (Wald and others, 1999c; Wald and others, 2005) and constraints from macroseismic intensity data, instrumental ground motions, regional topographically-based site amplifications, and published earthquake-rupture models. Applying the ShakeMap methodology allows a consistent approach to combine point observations with ground-motion predictions to produce descriptions of peak ground motions and intensity for each event. An estimated ground-motion uncertainty grid for each earthquake is also calculated. The Atlas of ShakeMaps provides a consistent and quantitative description of the distribution and intensity of shaking for recent global earthquakes (1973-2007) as well as selected historic events. The Atlas was developed specifically for calibrating global earthquake loss estimation methodologies to be used in the U.S. Geological Survey Prompt Assessment of Global Earthquakes for Response (PAGER) Project. PAGER will employ these loss models to rapidly estimate the impact of global earthquakes as part of the USGS National Earthquake Information Center's earthquake-response protocol. The development of the Atlas of ShakeMaps has also led to several key improvements to the Global ShakeMap system. The key upgrades include: addition of uncertainties in the ground motion mapping, introduction of modern ground-motion prediction equations, improved estimates of global seismic-site conditions (VS30), and improved definition of stable continental region polygons. All of this information has been merged to provide a global perspective of earthquake ground shaking for the past 35 years, allowing comparison with probabilistic hazard maps. This report is available *online* *only* and can be found at */_http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2008/1236/ _/* The Atlas and supporting databases are divided into years and the countries affected during those years. This information is available at */_http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/shakemap/atlas.php/_/**/ . /*For more information on this or other USGS products and services contact the USGS Science Information and Library Services (SILS) at 1-888-ASK-USGS or online through the USGS store at */_http://store.usgs.gov_/* Sheryle Girk-Jackson 303 202 4176, FAX 303 202 4633, email: [log in to unmask] Sheryle J. Girk-Jackson Technical Information Specialist/Business Acquisitions USGS/ESIC