EarthScope Consortium

The US National Seismic Hazard Model (NSHM) was updated in 2023 for all 50 states using new science on seismicity, fault ruptures, ground motions, and probabilistic techniques to produce a standard of practice for public policy and other engineering applications (defined for return periods greater than ∼475 or less than ∼10,000 years). Changes in 2023 time‐independent seismic hazard (both increases and decreases compared to previous NSHMs) are substantial because the new model considers more data and updated earthquake rupture forecasts and ground‐motion components. In developing the 2023 model, we tried to apply best available or applicable science based on advice of co‐authors, more than 50 reviewers, and hundreds of hazard scientists and end‐users, who attended public workshops and provided technical inputs. The hazard assessment incorporates new catalogs, declustering algorithms, gridded seismicity models, magnitude‐scaling equations, fault‐based structural and deformation models, multi‐fault earthquake rupture forecast models, semi‐empirical and simulation‐based ground‐motion models, and site amplification models conditioned on shear‐wave velocities of the upper 30 m of soil and deeper sedimentary basin structures. Seismic hazard calculations yield hazard curves at hundreds of thousands of sites, ground‐motion maps, uniform‐hazard response spectra, and disaggregations developed for pseudo‐spectral accelerations at 21 oscillator periods and two peak parameters, Modified Mercalli Intensity, and 8 site classes required by building codes and other public policy applications. Tests show the new model is consistent with past ShakeMap intensity observations. Sensitivity and uncertainty assessments ensure resulting ground motions are compatible with known hazard information and highlight the range and causes of variability in ground motions. We produce several impact products including building seismic design criteria, intensity maps, planning scenarios, and engineering risk assessments showing the potential physical and social impacts. These applications provide a basis for assessing, planning, and mitigating the effects of future earthquakes.

Being born small for gestational age (SGA) confers increased risks of perinatal morbidity and mortality and increases the risk of cardiovascular complications and diabetes in later life. Accumulating evidence suggests that the etiology of SGA is usually associated with poor placental vascular development in early pregnancy. We examined metabolomic profiles using ultra performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) in three independent studies: (a) venous cord plasma from normal and SGA babies, (b) plasma from a rat model of placental insufficiency and controls, and (c) early pregnancy peripheral plasma samples from women who subsequently delivered a SGA baby and controls. Multivariate analysis by cross-validated Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) of all 3 studies showed a comprehensive and similar disruption of plasma metabolism. A multivariate predictive model combining 19 metabolites produced by a Genetic Algorithm-based search program gave an Odds Ratio for developing SGA of 44, with an area under the Receiver Operator Characteristic curve of 0.9. Sphingolipids, phospholipids, carnitines, and fatty acids were among this panel of metabolites. The finding of a consistent discriminatory metabolite signature in early pregnancy plasma preceding the onset of SGA offers insight into disease pathogenesis and offers the promise of a robust presymptomatic screening test.

Abstract Earthquake ruptures produce fault slip and kilometer‐wide diffuse deformation of the host rocks. However, the origin of the diffuse deformation and its role in the rupture process are debated. We produce a refined slip model for the 2019 Ridgecrest, California, earthquakes, and analyze the relations between down‐dip rupture process, and surface diffuse deformation. We show that the decrease in coseismic slip toward the ground surface, also known as shallow slip deficit (SSD), correlates with the occurrence of diffuse deformation at the surface, which is not accounted for by models assuming elastic host rocks. Hence, we suggest that a significant part of the SSD in earthquake source models could be interpreted as a proxy for shallow diffuse inelastic deformation around faults. Revisiting earthquake source models for 28 continental earthquakes, we discuss the controlling parameters of the SSD and diffuse deformation, and propose a conceptual model of the near‐field coseismic surface deformation.

Abstract. Fault slip is a complex natural phenomenon involving multiple spatiotemporal scales from seconds to days to weeks. To understand the physical and chemical processes responsible for the full fault slip spectrum, a multidisciplinary approach is highly recommended. The Near Fault Observatories (NFOs) aim at providing high-precision and spatiotemporally dense multidisciplinary near-fault data, enabling the generation of new original observations and innovative scientific products. The Alto Tiberina Near Fault Observatory is a permanent monitoring infrastructure established around the Alto Tiberina fault (ATF), a 60 km long low-angle normal fault (mean dip 20°), located along a sector of the Northern Apennines (central Italy) undergoing an extension at a rate of about 3 mm yr−1. The presence of repeating earthquakes on the ATF and a steep gradient in crustal velocities measured across the ATF by GNSS stations suggest large and deep (5–12 km) portions of the ATF undergoing aseismic creep. Both laboratory and theoretical studies indicate that any given patch of a fault can creep, nucleate slow earthquakes, and host large earthquakes, as also documented in nature for certain ruptures (e.g., Iquique in 2014, Tōhoku in 2011, and Parkfield in 2004). Nonetheless, how a fault patch switches from one mode of slip to another, as well as the interaction between creep, slow slip, and regular earthquakes, is still poorly documented by near-field observation. With the strainmeter array along the Alto Tiberina fault system (STAR) project, we build a series of six geophysical observatory sites consisting of 80–160 m deep vertical boreholes instrumented with strainmeters and seismometers as well as meteorological and GNSS antennas and additional seismometers at the surface. By covering the portions of the ATF that exhibits repeated earthquakes at shallow depth (above 4 km) with these new observatory sites, we aim to collect unique open-access data to answer fundamental questions about the relationship between creep, slow slip, dynamic earthquake rupture, and tectonic faulting.

In continental rifts, tectonic deformation, magmatic processes, and earthquakes interact dynamically reflecting the crust's complex response to extensional stress and evolving subsurface and surface conditions. Recent seismotectonic activity in the Fentale-Dofen region of the Main Ethiopian Rift was driven by the intrusion of several dykes reaching up to ~ 50 km in length observed using satellite radar interferometry. Over 300 earthquakes with magnitude 4 or greater were reported by international seismic networks and the GNSS site at Addis Ababa moved ~ 20 mm to the west. These and other observations on the ground were used to create a highly simplified hazard map and 75,000 people were evacuated. Although no magmatic eruption occurred, the earthquakes triggered landslides and caused infrastructure damage, especially to buildings and roads. Here we provide a preliminary analysis of the patterns of earthquakes, ground deformation, and surface manifestations from 2024 to 2025, with a focus on the underlying mechanisms contributing to seismic sequences in the area and key unresolved scientific questions. We discuss how scientific evidence was used to inform decision-makers and examine the short- and long-term implications for critical infrastructure and nearby communities. Finally, we emphasize the importance of real-time monitoring, proactive risk management, and the need for continuous observation and improved early warning systems to reduce future seismic and volcanic risks.

We present the first global-scale database of 4.3 billion P- and S-wave picks extracted from 1.3 PB continuous seismic data via a cloud-native workflow. Using cloud computing services on Amazon Web Services, we launched ~145,000 containerized jobs on continuous records from 47,354 stations spanning 2002-2025, completing in under three days. Phase arrivals were identified with a deep learning model, PhaseNet, through an open-source Python ecosystem for deep learning, SeisBench. To visualize and gain a global understanding of these picks, we present preliminary results about pick time series revealing Omori-law aftershock decay, seasonal variations linked to noise levels, and dense regional coverage that will enhance earthquake catalogs and machine-learning datasets. We provide all picks in a publicly queryable database, providing a powerful resource for researchers studying seismicity around the world. This report provides insights into the database and the underlying workflow, demonstrating the feasibility of petabyte-scale seismic data mining on the cloud and of providing intelligent data products to the community in an automated manner.

Abstract Seismic imaging in 3-D holds great potential for improving our understanding of ice sheet structure and dynamics. Conducting 3-D imaging in remote areas is simplified by using lightweight and logistically straightforward sources. We report results from controlled seismic source tests carried out near the West Antarctic Ice Sheet Divide investigating the characteristics of two types of surface seismic sources, Poulter shots and detonating cord, for use in both 2-D and 3-D seismic surveys on glaciers. Both source types produced strong basal P-wave and S-wave reflections and multiples recorded in three components. The Poulter shots had a higher amplitude for low frequencies (<10 Hz) and comparable amplitude at high frequencies (>50 Hz) relative to the detonating cord. Amplitudes, frequencies, speed of source set-up, and cost all suggested Poulter shots to be the preferred surface source compared to detonating cord for future 2-D and 3-D seismic surveys on glaciers.

Abstract A new organization, EarthScope Consortium, was formed 1 January 2023 following the merger of the Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS) and UNAVCO. EarthScope Consortium is a consortium dedicated to supporting transformative global geophysical research and education.

Abstract Stream acoustics has been proposed as a means of monitoring discharge and wave hazards from outside the stream channel. To better understand the dependence of sound on discharge and wave characteristics, this study analyzes discharge and infrasound data from an artificial wave feature which is adjusted to accommodate daily changes in recreational use and seasonal changes in irrigation demand. Monitorable sound is only observed when discharge exceeds ∼35 m 3 /s, and even above that threshold the sound‐discharge relationship is non‐linear and inconsistent. When sound is observed, it shows consistent dependence on wave type within a given year, but the direction of this dependence varies among the 3 years studied (2016, 2021, and 2022). These findings support previous research that establishes discharge and stream morphology as relevant controls on stream acoustics and highlights the complex, combined effects of these variables.

Data-driven approaches to identify geophysical signals have proven beneficial in high dimensional environments where model-driven methods fall short. GNSS offers a source of unsaturated ground motion observations that are the data currency of ground motion forecasting and rapid seismic hazard assessment and alerting. However, these GNSS-sourced signals are superposed onto hardware-, location- and time-dependent noise signatures influenced by the Earth’s atmosphere, low-cost or spaceborne oscillators, and complex radio frequency environments. Eschewing heuristic or physics based models for a data-driven approach in this context is a step forward in autonomous signal discrimination. However, the performance of a data-driven approach depends upon substantial representative samples with accurate classifications, and more complex algorithm architectures for deeper scientific insights compound this need. The existing catalogs of high-rate (≥1Hz) GNSS ground motions are relatively limited. In this work, we model and evaluate the probabilistic noise of GNSS velocity measurements over a hemispheric network. We generate stochastic noise time series to augment transferred low-noise strong motion signals from within 70 kilometers of strong events (≥ MW 5.0) from an existing inertial catalog. We leverage known signal and noise information to assess feature extraction strategies and quantify augmentation benefits. We find a classifier model trained on this expanded pseudo-synthetic catalog improves generalization compared to a model trained solely on a real-GNSS velocity catalog, and offers a framework for future enhanced data driven approaches.

Meaningful learning resources for earthquake safety and survival have become an increasingly important topic among geoscientists, especially educators and researchers. Various members of the public, especially K-12 (ages 5–18) learners, continue to depend on scientific trade books available at their local public and school libraries for information about earthquake concepts. To our knowledge, no research has empirically examined how trade books represent earthquake safety and survival actions. In this research, we combine an iterative qualitative inductive and deductive analysis to explore the representation of earthquake safety and protective actions in 50 trade books. We categorize these actions into time-based practices related to preparedness before an earthquake, protective actions during an earthquake, and recovery after an earthquake. These trade books emphasize preparedness by means of building earthquake-resistant structures and urban planning, and efforts toward community resilience and keeping home supplies. The recommended personal protective action during an earthquake in the United States (“Drop, Cover, and Hold On”) is emphasized in the majority of the trade books, as well as other protective actions related to emotional actions and current technological automated actions such as earthquake early warning systems. Finally, the books highlight actions such as damage evaluation and support as ways to recover after an earthquake. Our findings highlight the issues between accepted earthquake safety and survival actions and the limited and/or inaccurate knowledge represented in some trade books. We provide interpretations of how presentation of limited or inaccurate information may increase confusion about appropriate protective actions. The inclusion of accepted and recommended protective actions in future trade books and the use of earthquake drills in public libraries as a supplement for trade book users may improve understanding and implementation of appropriate actions. We further demonstrate the potential of trade book contents in fostering earthquake education through library-community partnerships.

<strong>5Hz GNSS Velocity Data for the submitted work: </strong>"Characterizing High Rate GNSS Velocity Noise for Synthesizing a GNSS Strong Motion Learning Catalog" Dittmann et al (202?) <strong>Datasets included:</strong> Pseudosynthetic timeseries, ambient timeseries and training featuresets generated for Dittmann, et al (202?) Real GNSS 5Hz validation featuresets from Dittmann, et al. (2022) Timeseries and Featuresets are stored in Apache Parquet format. <strong>Getting Started:</strong><br> Notebook demos for reading using conda+ jupyterlab (easiest).<br> In a terminal: Unzip untar (mac/linux tar -xvf psuedo_synth_gnssvel.tar.gz) <pre><code>conda env create -f environment.yml conda activate pgv23_zenodo jupyter lab</code></pre> Open the notebook “reading_data.ipynb” <strong>Data References:</strong> NGA-West 2 (NGAW2) Ground Motion Database SNIVEL GNSS Velocity Processing

Stream acoustics has been proposed as a means of monitoring discharge and wave hazards from outside the stream channel. To better understand the dependence of sound on discharge and wave characteristics, this study analyzes discharge and infrasound data from an artificial wave feature. This feature, known as Boise Whitewater Park: Phase 1 (BWPP1), is adjusted to accommodate daily changes in recreational use and seasonal changes in irrigation demand. Significant sound is only observed when discharge exceeds ~35 m3/s, and even above that threshold the sound-discharge relationship is non-linear and inconsistent. When sound is observed, it shows consistent dependence on wave type within a given year, but the direction of this dependence varies among the three years studied (2016, 2021, and 2022). These findings support previous research that establishes discharge and stream morphology as significant controls on stream acoustics and highlights the complex, combined effects of these variables.

Abstract Trench‐parallel translation of the Central American Forearc (CAFA) is the result of strain partitioning along the Cocos and Caribbean (CA) convergent margin. Unlike the tectonics of northwestern Costa Rica and El Salvador, CAFA‐CA relative motion in Nicaragua is not accommodated on margin‐parallel fault systems. Rather, the northwest‐trending dextral shear is accommodated on margin‐normal sinistral strike‐slip faults that approximate the motion of a margin‐parallel fault (i.e., bookshelf faulting). We compare a new Global Positioning System interseismic horizontal velocity field to analytical and numerical models to show that the bookshelf faulting model can produce the observed velocity field and provide insight into the kinematics and configuration of the margin‐normal fault system. We find that a fault system with 20 km‐long parallel to sub‐parallel margin‐normal sinistral faults, spaced ∼5 km apart, locked from the surface to 5 km depth, and with interseismic slip deficits of 4 mm yr −1 , can replicate the observed velocity field. These findings have implications for the region's seismic hazard where shallow moderate‐magnitude earthquakes will have reoccurrence intervals of ∼50 years. These findings are also important for volcanic hazard estimation and unrest forecasting because the margin‐normal faults are in the volcanic arc and magma‐tectonic interactions have been documented along the CAFA.

Low-angle normal faults (i.e. with a dip &lt; 30&amp;#176;) were assumed to have a very low seismic potential (Sibson et al., 1985). However, several observations have shown that earthquakes and aseismic slip can occur along such faults. For instance, the Alto Tiberina Fault (ATF), a 60-km long normal fault with a 15&amp;#176; low angle dip located in the active sector of the Northern Apennines (Italy), is seismically active as well as is actively accommodating part of the Apennines extensional strain. However, the relative contribution of seismic and aseismic slip on it is still unclear. The central and northern Apennines experienced several seismic sequences in the recent decades and a&amp;#160;Mw &amp;#8764; 4.6 aseismic event accompanied by a seismic swarm of similar or smaller size was also recorded in 2013-2014 along two synthetic and antithetic fault in the hanging-wall of the ATF (Gualandi et al., 2017).&amp;#160;The interactions between such minor conjugate faults and the ATF compose a system undergoing complex behavior making the area an ideal candidate to improve our understanding of interactions between different slipping modes. We benefit from data of the Alto Tiberina Near Fault Observatory (TABOO-NFO; Chiaraluce et al., 2014) looking for aseismic events on the ATF and its surrounding faults. The dense network of GNSS, seismometers and borehole strainmeters provides a rarely attained high spatial (inter-distance &lt; 10km) and temporal (from 2009 to nowadays) resolution framework enabling the study of the ATF fault system slip history.&amp;#160;We search for transients with a semi-automatic detection tool of slow slip events based on kinematic inversions of strainmeters time series. We also test if these events interact with larger seismic events of the region.&amp;#160;We present the strain time series processed with the EarthScope Strain Tools (EarthScope Consortium) and the preliminary signals detected with our tool. The fine analysis of the ATF would help better constraining the behavior of faults and more generally large events.&amp;#160;

Supraglacial lake drainages are isolated events that deliver the largest observable fluxes of surface melt to the ice-sheet bed. This talk will present advances in the study of these lake drainages, through which we piece together an empirical understanding of glacier hydrology. We examine the ways in which lakes both respond to, and determine, the hydrologic and glaciologic conditions under which they exist. We begin with the process puzzle of what mechanisms drive the opening of fractures within the compressive regions where lakes form, allowing hydro-fracture-driven drainages to occur. Next, we follow drained lake water in time and space, using the natural experiments provided by the drainages to infer subglacial-drainage-system transmissivity and structure beneath kilometer-thick ice flowing at rates of tens to thousands of meters per year in Greenland. In widening our view to previous subglacial-flood events observed at other ice-sheet locations&amp;#8212;as well as at alpine, valley, and tidewater glaciers&amp;#8212;we observe surprising similarities across a wide range of ice thicknesses, flow speeds, and types of flood events. The similarities we observe are encouraging because they suggest that information on drainage-system structure and evolution gleaned from these episodic events can be used to understand the wider picture. Finally, we examine current challenges: how do we move from the observed mechanisms of individual lake drainages to an integrated understanding of the importance of hundreds of drainages for long-term ice-sheet response and ice-shelf collapse? Progress will require the combination of geodetic observations, hydrologic simulations, and geophysical models to deconvolve the differing mechanisms that result in clusters of drainages in the multiple settings in which lakes form.

This dataset consists of distributed acoustic sensing (DAS), broadband seismic, and rainfall data captured near the EarthScope Primary Instrument Center in Socorro, New Mexico. The DAS dataset includes the hours of data surrounding four high-intensity rainfall events. Also present is a CSV file which includes the median amplitude of every DAS channel for 1-minute intervals throughout the entire monitoring period (from May to September). The broadband data was collected during the largest rainfall event. Rainfall data was captured with a tipping-bucket rain gauge placed in the center of the DAS array.

Abstract. The ICDP STAR drilling project aims to study the seismic and aseismic fault slip behaviour of the active low-angle Alto Tiberina normal Fault (ATF) in the Northern Apennines, Central Italy, drilling and instrumenting six shallow boreholes with seismometers and strainmeters. During the STAR field work, a geophysical downhole logging campaign was carried on defining the optimal target depth for instrument deployment and formation rock characterization. In particular, the main objectives of this study were to define in situ physical properties of the rocks and the tectonic discontinuity geometry along the boreholes. The downhole logging data provide new findings and knowledge especially with regards to the physical properties such as resistivity, gamma ray and wave velocity. The collected parameters were compared to the results of literature data collected in similar lithologies, as well as with the results of logging performed in deeper wells drilled for commercial purposes. The physical properties of the Mesozoic-Early Tertiary calcareous formations show low Gamma Ray values and high compressional (Vp) and shear wave (Vs) velocities (up to 5.3 km/s and 2.9 km/s, respectively), whereas the overlying clay-rich Late Tertiary formations exhibit high Gamma Ray and low resistivity and relatively low Vp and Vs values (up to 3.5 km/s and 2.0 km/s, respectively). The results obtained from the analysis of the orientations of the tectonic structures, measured along the six boreholes, show a good agreement with the orientations of the present-day extensional stress field, NE-SW oriented. Our study allowed to bridge the gap between the physical properties obtained from literature data and those obtained from the deep wells measurements, representing a possible case history for future projects. These new data will contribute to the advancement of knowledge of the physical properties of the rocks at shallow depths, typically overlooked.

<strong class="journal-contentHeaderColor">Abstract.</strong> The ICDP STAR drilling project aims to study the seismic and aseismic fault slip behaviour of the active low-angle Alto Tiberina normal Fault (ATF) in the Northern Apennines, Central Italy, drilling and instrumenting six shallow boreholes with seismometers and strainmeters. During the STAR field work, a geophysical downhole logging campaign was carried on defining the optimal target depth for instrument deployment and formation rock characterization. In particular, the main objectives of this study were to define in situ physical properties of the rocks and the tectonic discontinuity geometry along the boreholes. The downhole logging data provide new findings and knowledge especially with regards to the physical properties such as resistivity, gamma ray and wave velocity. The collected parameters were compared to the results of literature data collected in similar lithologies, as well as with the results of logging performed in deeper wells drilled for commercial purposes. The physical properties of the Mesozoic-Early Tertiary calcareous formations show low Gamma Ray values and high compressional (Vp) and shear wave (Vs) velocities (up to 5.3 km/s and 2.9 km/s, respectively), whereas the overlying clay-rich Late Tertiary formations exhibit high Gamma Ray and low resistivity and relatively low Vp and Vs values (up to 3.5 km/s and 2.0 km/s, respectively). The results obtained from the analysis of the orientations of the tectonic structures, measured along the six boreholes, show a good agreement with the orientations of the present-day extensional stress field, NE-SW oriented. Our study allowed to bridge the gap between the physical properties obtained from literature data and those obtained from the deep wells measurements, representing a possible case history for future projects. These new data will contribute to the advancement of knowledge of the physical properties of the rocks at shallow depths, typically overlooked.

Abstract EarthScope Consortium's Common Sensor Platform (CSP) project is a unified, modular, and scalable design approach for geophysical instrumentation deployments. Developed through cross disciplinary collaboration of National Science Foundation's GAGE and SAGE facilities, the platform outlines core station subsystems that have the flexibility to be interchanged and/or scaled to accommodate site‐specific conditions and scientific objectives. As an outcome of this project, a set of publicly available tools, including a requirements document, technical design document, and an interactive Station Builder webtool have been developed to support user‐driven geophysical station planning and design. The CSP is a dynamic and adaptable design, allowing for future iterations to integrate new technologies and support the evolving needs of the geophysical research community.