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Fact Sheet 2015–3009

UCERF3: A New Earthquake Forecast for California’s Complex Fault System

By Edward H. Field and members of the 2014 WGCEP

Thumbnail of and link to report PDF (32.1 MB)Abstract

With innovations, fresh data, and lessons learned from recent earthquakes, scientists have developed a new earthquake forecast model for California, a region under constant threat from potentially damaging events. The new model, referred to as the third Uniform California Earthquake Rupture Forecast, or “UCERF3” (http://www.WGCEP.org/UCERF3), provides authoritative estimates of the magnitude, location, and likelihood of earthquake fault rupture throughout the state. Overall the results confirm previous findings, but with some significant changes because of model improvements. For example, compared to the previous forecast (Uniform California Earthquake Rupture Forecast 2), the likelihood of moderate-sized earthquakes (magnitude 6.5 to 7.5) is lower, whereas that of larger events is higher. This is because of the inclusion of multifault ruptures, where earthquakes are no longer confined to separate, individual faults, but can occasionally rupture multiple faults simultaneously. The public-safety implications of this and other model improvements depend on several factors, including site location and type of structure (for example, family dwelling compared to a long-span bridge). Building codes, earthquake insurance products, emergency plans, and other risk-mitigation efforts will be updated accordingly. This model also serves as a reminder that damaging earthquakes are inevitable for California. Fortunately, there are many simple steps residents can take to protect lives and property.

First posted March 9, 2015

For additional information contact:
Director, Geologic Hazards Science Center
U.S. Geological Survey
Box 25046, MS–966
Denver, CO 80225-0046
http://geohazards.cr.usgs.gov/

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Suggested citation:

Field, E.H., and 2014 Working Group on California Earthquake Probabilities, 2015, UCERF3: A new earthquake forecast for California’s complex fault system: U.S. Geological Survey 2015–3009, 6 p., https://dx.doi.org/10.3133/fs20153009.

ISSN 2327-6916 (print)

ISSN 2327-6932 (online)



Contents

What is UCERF3?

Why a New Earthquake Forecast Model?

What Are the Results, and How Do They Differ from Previous Estimates?

What Next?

References


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