Earthquake Publications

Non-technical Information
For more information on prehistoric earthquakes,
see our Paleoseismology Series.

To order publications, use order form
or see ordering information at bottom of page.

Technical Studies

Digital Format

Compilation of 1970s Woodward-Lundgren & Associates Wasatch fault investigation reports and oblique aerial photography, Wasatch Front and Cache Valley, Utah and Idaho, by Steve D. Bowman, Keith Beisner, and Corey Unger, 9 DVD set (3 p,. 6 pl., [contains KMZ and GIS data]), OFR-548 $74.95

Geologic hazards and adverse construction conditions, St. George–Hurricane metropolitan area, Washington County, Utah, by William R. Lund, Tyler R. Knudsen, Garrett S. Vice, and Lucas M. Shaw, CD (88 p., 14 pl., [contains GIS data]), ISBN 1-55791-802-3, SS-127  (CD)  $24.95

Historic aerial photography, 1938 Salt Lake Aqueduct Project, Salt Lake, Utah, and Wasatch Counties, Utah, by Steve D. Bowman and Kieth Beisner, DVD (2 p,. 1 pl., [contains KMZ and GIS data]), OFR-537  (DVD)  $24.95

Earthquake site conditions in the Wasatch Front corridor, Utah, by Greg N. McDonald and Francis X. Ashland, CD (41 p., 1 pl.), ISBN 1-55791-792-2, 2008, SS-125 $14.95

Holocene earthquake history of the northern Weber segment of the Wasatch fault zone, Utah, by Alan R. Nelson, Mike Lowe, Stephen Personius, Lee-Ann Bradley, Steven L. Forman, Robert Klauk, and John Garr, CD (39 p., 2 pl.), ISBN 1-55791-741-8, 2006, MP-05-8 $14.95

Earthquake-hazards scenario for a M7 earthquake on the Salt Lake City segment of the Wasatch fault zone, Utah, by Barry J. Solomon, Neil Storey, Ivan Wong, Walter Silva, Nick Gregor, Douglas Wright, and Greg McDonald, CD-ROM (59 p., 6 pl. scale 1:250.000), 2004, ISBN 1-55791-704-3, SS-111DM $24.95 [CD contains GIS data]

Quaternary fault and fold database and map of Utah, by Bill D. Black, Suzanne Hecker, Michael D. Hylland, Gary E. Christenson, and Greg N. McDonald, CD-ROM, scale 1:500,000, ISBN 1-55791-593-8, 2/03, Map 193DM $24.95; plotted map $19.95
Represents the most up-to-date and comprehensive information on the 212 known active faults and related geologic structures in Utah. The statewide map categorizes faults based on their most recent movement and their slip rate (measure of fault activity) and shows where detailed geologic fault studies have been undertaken. The database contains information useful in preliminary evaluations of fault hazards in Utah. It also reflects how little is known about many of the active faults in the state. Detailed studies have largely focused on Utah's most active fault, the Wasatch fault, and other faults in or near the densely populated Wasatch Front. With few exceptions, active faults elsewhere in the state have received little to no detailed study.

Earthquake scenario and probabilistic ground shaking maps for the Salt Lake City, Utah, metropolitan area, by Ivan Wong, Walter Silva, Susan Olig, Patricia Thomas, Douglas Wright, Francis Ashland, Nick Gregor, James Pechmann, Mark Dober, Gary Christenson, and Robyn Gerth, 50 p. + CD-ROM, ISBN 1-55791-666-7, MP-02-5 $25.00
This is the complete version of the study that produced the Public Information publication titled "Ground-shaking map for a magnitude 7.0 earthquake on the Wasatch fault, Salt Lake City, Utah, metropolitan area" - a useful lay guide to the hazard zones in the valley. The new publication contains a CD with GIS coverage from which secondary maps could be produced, or combined with other information.

Deterministic maximum peak acceleration maps for Utah, by M.W. Halling, J.R. Keaton, L.R. Anderson, and W. Kohler, 2002, 57 p., 1 CD-ROM, MP-02-11 $20.95
The text explains how maps were prepared to determine vertical and horizontal maximum ground motion from earthquakes; probable motion maps can be developed from these. The accompanying CD, within GIS applications, can be used to explore and generate various maps using different criteria.

Interim map showing shear-wave-velocity characteristics of engineering geologic units in the Salt Lake City, Utah metropolitan area, by Francis X. Ashland and Greg N. McDonald, CD-ROM (43 p., 1 pl., 1:75,000), 2003, OFR-424 $19.95
Empirical correlation between earthquake ground-motion amplification and the average shear-wave velocity in the upper 30 meters below the ground surface (Vs30) provides the basis of the site classes in the International Building Code. This knowledge allows engineers to estimate site-class effects. This report notes Vs30 for previously mapped engineering geologic units in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area. Maps show the mean and range in Vs30 for three Quaternary units, discuss the distribution of and variation in Vs30, and include characteristic shear-wave-velocity profiles. For two other Quaternary and three bedrock units lacking shear-wave-velocity profiles, Vs30 estimates and a discussion of the methods used to characterize Vs30 are provided.

Consensus preferred recurrence-interval and vertical slip-rate estimates: review of Utah paleoseismic-trenching data by the Utah Quaternary Fault Parameters Working Group, William R. Lund, CD (109 p.) 2005 B-134 $19.95

Bulletins

B-126 Engineering geology of the Salt Lake City metropolitan area, Utah, W.R. Lund, editor, 1990, 66 p. $8.75

B-127 Quaternary tectonics of Utah with emphasis on earthquake-hazard characterization, by Suzanne Hecker, 157 p., 2 pl.,1:500,000, 1993 $17.50

Consensus preferred recurrence-interval and vertical slip-rate estimates: review of Utah paleoseismic-trenching data by the Utah Quaternary Fault Parameters Working Group, William R. Lund, CD (109 p.) 2005 B-134 $19.95

Maps

Surficial geologic map of the Levan and Fayette segments of the Wasatch fault zone, Juab and Sanpete Counties, Utah, by Michael D. Hylland and Michael N. Machette, 38 p., 1 pl., ISBN 1-55791-791-4, M-229 $13.95

Quaternary fault and fold database and map of Utah, by Bill D. Black, Suzanne Hecker, Michael D. Hylland, Gary E. Christenson, and Greg N. McDonald, CD-ROM, scale 1:500,000, ISBN 1-55791-593-8, 2/03, Map 193DM $24.95; plotted map $19.95
Represents the most up-to-date and comprehensive information on the 212 known active faults and related geologic structures in Utah. The statewide map categorizes faults based on their most recent movement and their slip rate (measure of fault activity) and shows where detailed geologic fault studies have been undertaken. The database contains information useful in preliminary evaluations of fault hazards in Utah. It also reflects how little is known about many of the active faults in the state. Detailed studies have largely focused on Utah's most active fault, the Wasatch fault, and other faults in or near the densely populated Wasatch Front. With few exceptions, active faults elsewhere in the state have received little to no detailed study.

M-170 Surficial geologic map of the Nephi segment of the Wasatch fault zone, eastern Juab County, Utah, by K.M. Harty, W.E. Mulvey, and M.N. Machette, 14 p., 1 pl., 1:50,000, 1997, $8.95

M-172 Surficial geologic map of the West Cache fault zone and nearby faults, Box Elder and Cache Counties, Utah, by Barry J. Solomon, 20 p., 2 pl., 1:50,000, 3/99 $8.95

Circulars

C-79 Suggested approach to geologic hazards ordinances in Utah, by G.E. Christenson; 1987, 16 pages $3.25

C-88 The September 2, 1992 ML 5.8 St. George earthquake, Washington County, Utah edited by G.E. Christenson, 41 p., 1995 $7.75

Miscellaneous Publications

N Guidelines for evaluating surface fault rupture hazards in Utah, by the Utah Section of the Association of Engineering Geologists; 2 pages, 1987 Free

MP-88-1 In the footsteps of G.K. Gilbert - Lake Bonneville and neotectonics of the eastern Basin and Range Province, guidebook for GSA annual meeting, edited by M.N. Machette, 1988, 120 p. pdf on CD-ROM, $14.95

MP-89-1 Evaluation of seismicity relevant to the proposed siting of a superconducting supercollider (SSC) in Tooele County, Utah, by W.J. Arabasz, J.C. Pechman, and E.D. Brown, 107 p, 1989 $8.50

MP-91-1 A guide to reducing losses from future earthquakes in Utah -- Consensus document, W.J. Arabasz, editor, 30 p., April 1991 $5.50

MP-93-4 Damage potential index mapping for Salt Lake Valley, Utah, by S.M. Adan and K.M. Rollins, 64 p., 1993 $6.50

MP-93-9 Site-specific strong ground motion estimates for the Salt Lake Valley, by I.G. Wong and W.J. Silva, 34 p., 1993 $6.00

MP-98-2 Proceedings volume, Basin and Range Province Seismic-Hazards Summit, edited by William R. Lund, 204 p., 12/98, $16.00

Earthquake scenario and probabilistic ground shaking maps for the Salt Lake City, Utah, metropolitan area, by Ivan Wong, Walter Silva, Susan Olig, Patricia Thomas, Douglas Wright, Francis Ashland, Nick Gregor, James Pechmann, Mark Dober, Gary Christenson, and Robyn Gerth, 50 p. + CD-ROM, ISBN 1-55791-666-7, MP-02-5 $25.00
This is the complete version of the study that produced the Public Information publication titled "Ground-shaking map for a magnitude 7.0 earthquake on the Wasatch fault, Salt Lake City, Utah, metropolitan area" - a useful lay guide to the hazard zones in the valley. The new publication contains a CD with GIS coverage from which secondary maps could be produced, or combined with other information.
Abstract

Deterministic maximum peak acceleration maps for Utah, by M.W. Halling, J.R. Keaton, L.R. Anderson, and W. Kohler, 2002, 57 p., 1 CD-ROM, MP-02-11 $20.95
The text explains how maps were prepared to determine vertical and horizontal maximum ground motion from earthquakes; probable motion maps can be developed from these. The accompanying CD, within GIS applications, can be used to explore and generate various maps using different criteria.

Guidelines for evaluating surface-fault-rupture hazards in Utah, by Gary E. Christenson, L. Darlene Batatian, and Craig V Nelson, 14 p., 2003, MP-03-6 $5.50

Neotectonics of Bear Lake Valley, Utah and Idaho; a preliminary assessment, by James P. McCalpin, 43 p., ISBN 1-55791-694-2, 2003, MP-03-4 $11.00
This report presents the results of a preliminary evaluation of the East Bear Lake (EBF) and West Bear Lake (WBF) fault zones, which bound the east and west sides, respectively, of the Bear Lake Valley. The Bear Lake Valley straddles the Utah/Idaho border northeast of Logan, Utah. The results of this study show that both the EBF and the WBF have experienced surface-faulting earthquakes in the recent geologic past and therefore represent an ongoing seismic hazard to northeastern Utah and southeastern Idaho.

Proceedings volume, Basin and Range Province Seismic-Hazards Summit II, edited by William R. Lund, CD (20 papers, 64 abstracts, 10 posters), ISBN 1-55791-725-6, 4/05, MP-05-2 $19.95

Holocene earthquake history of the northern Weber segment of the Wasatch fault zone, Utah, by Alan R. Nelson, Mike Lowe, Stephen Personius, Lee-Ann Bradley, Steven L. Forman, Robert Klauk, and John Garr, CD (39 p., 2 pl.), ISBN 1-55791-741-8, 2006, MP-05-8 $14.95

Reports of Investigation

RI-228 Technical reports for 1994-1995, Applied Geology Program, compiled by B.H. Mayes, 162 p., 2/96 $19.60

RI -233 Report to the Utah Geological Survey on the 1996 Gobi-Altay, Mongolia, paleoseismology expedition, by W.R. Lund, 14 p. + appendix, 4/97 $2.10

RI-248 Site-response characterization for implementing SHAKEMAP in northern Utah, by Francis X. Ashland, 10 p., 2 pl., 1:500,000, 2001 $9.50
As part of the effort to implement “ShakeMap” in northern Utah, I evaluated surface geology andavailable shear-wave velocity data to characterize and map the site response of geologic units duringearthquake ground shaking. Site-response mapping was performed at two scales: (1) 1:500,000,using a simple geology-based site-response classification for generalized geologic units of northernUtah, and (2) 1:250,000, using a more detailed classification for the Quaternary units of the WasatchFront urban corridor. Calculated or estimated average shear-wave velocities in the upper 30 metersrange from 199 to 2,197 meters/second for the site-response units. I used statistical tests to evaluatethe distinctiveness of previously recognized Quaternary site-response units for which shear-wavevelocity data exist and grouped three of these units together. I calculated site amplification factorsfor the new site-response units which provide an estimate for local site response in areas wherestrong-motion instruments are lacking.

Open-File Reports

OFR-152 Subsurface map and seismic risk analysis of the Salt Lake Valley, by H. Radkins, M. Murphy, and G.T. Schuster, 82 p., 4 pl., 4 color plates, 1989 $19.20

OFR-159 Probabilistic liquefaction severity index maps of the state of Utah, by M.A. Mabey and T.L. Youd, 28 p., 1989 $2.50

OFR-168 Earthquake instrumentation for Utah, report and recommendations of the Utah Policy Panel on Earthquake Instrumentation, edited by W. J. Arabasz, 164 p., 1990 $14.50

OFR-186 Structural properties of the American Fork, Provo, and part of the Spanish Fork subsegments, Wasatch normal fault zone, Utah, by Ronald L. Bruhn, Joong-Jeek Lee, and William A. Yonkee, 43 p., May 1990 $3.80

OFR-302 Preliminary policies and development plan for the Utah Geological Survey component of the Utah Strong-Motion Instrumentation Program, by S.S. Olig and G.E. Christenson, 15 p. + 26 p. appendix, 9/1993 $3.60

OFR-319 Engineering geologic map folio, western Wasatch County, Utah by M.D. Hylland, M. Lowe, and C.E. Bishop, 12 plates, 1:24,000 Landslide hazards, by MD. Hylland and Mike Lowe; Flood hazards, earthquake hazards, and problem soils, by M.D. Hylland and C.E. Bishop; Suitability for wastewater disposal in septic-tank soil-absorption systems, by M.D. Hylland. $36.00 (plates are $3.00 each)

OFR-384 Earthquake response plan and investigation field guide, by Barry Solomon, 62 p., 2001 $3.50

Interim map showing shear-wave-velocity characteristics of engineering geologic units in the Salt Lake City, Utah metropolitan area, by Francis X. Ashland and Greg N. McDonald, CD-ROM (43 p., 1 pl., 1:75,000), 2003, OFR-424 $19.95
Empirical correlation between earthquake ground-motion amplification and the average shear-wave velocity in the upper 30 meters below the ground surface (Vs30) provides the basis of the site classes in the International Building Code. This knowledge allows engineers to estimate site-class effects. This report notes Vs30 for previously mapped engineering geologic units in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area. Maps show the mean and range in Vs30 for three Quaternary units, discuss the distribution of and variation in Vs30, and include characteristic shear-wave-velocity profiles. For two other Quaternary and three bedrock units lacking shear-wave-velocity profiles, Vs30 estimates and a discussion of the methods used to characterize Vs30 are provided.

Historic aerial photography, 1938 Salt Lake Aqueduct Project, Salt Lake, Utah, and Wasatch Counties, Utah, by Steve D. Bowman and Kieth Beisner, DVD (2 p,. 1 pl., [contains KMZ and GIS data]), OFR-537  (DVD)  $24.95

Contract Reports

CR-91-15 Structural setting of seismicity in northern Utah, by James P. Evans, 37 p., 4 pl., 1:100,000, November 1991 $15.30

CR-92-1 Seismological analysis of four recent moderate (ML4.8 to 5.4) earthquakes in Utah, by J.C. Pechmann, S.J. Nava, and W.J. Arabasz, 107 p., January 1992 $9.40

CR-93-7 Earthquake hazard evaluation of the West Valley fault zone in the Salt Lake City urban area, Utah, by J.R. Keaton and D.R. Currey, 69 p., Oct 1993 $6.10

CR-93-8 Paleoseismicity and earthquake hazards evaluation of the West Valley fault zone, Salt Lake City urban area, Utah, by J.R. Keaton, D.R. Currey, and S.J. Olig, 55 p. plus 33 p. appendix, Oct. 1993 $7.75

Non-technical Information

Public Information Series

PI-1 Earthquake fault map of a portion of Weber County, Utah, by UGS staff, 1990, 8 x 11 Free

PI-2 Earthquake fault map of a portion of Davis County, Utah, by UGS staff, 1990, 8 x 11 Free

PI-3 Earthquake fault map of a portion of Salt Lake County, Utah, by UGS staff, 1990, 8 x 11 Free

PI-6 Earthquake hazards and safety in Utah, 4 p., 1990 Free

PI-11 Earthquake fault map of a portion of Utah County, Utah, by UGS staff, 8 x 11, May 1991 Free

PI-29 Earthquake ground shaking in Utah, by G.E. Christenson, 4 p., Nov 1994 Free

PI-38 Homebuyers guide to earthquake hazards in Utah, by S.N. Eldredge, 27 p., 11/96 $3.00
This full-color publication is a non-technical guide designed to help you assess your home's vulnerability to earthquake hazards, to give you some tips on where to get more information, and to explain earthquake hazards.

PI-40 The Wasatch fault, by S.N. Eldredge, 1996, 17 p., color brochure, $2.00
Written for the non-geologist and profusely illustrated. What is it, where is it, how to recognize it, building on it, what are earthquakes and how often do they occur, the future of the fault, and where to get more information - these are all included in this informative brochure.

PI-48 Earthquakes & Utah, by Sandra Eldredge, 1997, 6 p. Free
A colorful, easily understandable brochure about where earthquakes occur and how often, what causes them, what some of the biggest have been & how they're measured, what are the hazards, and a bit about the Wasatch fault.

PI-72 Photo essay of four Utah Earthquakes, 1921-1962, by Sandra N. Eldredge and Edith H. O'Brien, 22 p., 11/01, PI-72, ISBN 1-55791-659-4 $3.00

PI-76 Ground-shaking map for a magnitude 7.0 earthquake on the Wasatch fault, Salt Lake City, Utah, metropolitan area, by Ivan Wong, Walter Silva, Douglas Wright, Susan Olig, Francis Ashland, Nick Gregor, Gary Christenson, James Pechmann, Patricia Thomas, Mark Dober, and Robyn Gerth, 3/02, 1 plate $3.00

PI-83 Earthquake fault map of a portion of Cache County, Utah, 2 p., 7/04, Free

PI-84 Earthquake fault map of a portion of Tooele County, Utah, 2 p., 7/04, Free

PI-85 Earthquake fault map of a portion of Washington County, Utah, 2 p., 7/04, Free

Open-File Reports

OFR-211A Places with hazards; a teacher's handbook on natural hazards in Utah: The earthquake hazard in Utah, by S.N. Eldredge, 83 p., June 1991 (revised to 10/92) $6.80; Part II - slide set for 211A; 30 slides, 6 p. $15.00

Interim map showing shear-wave-velocity characteristics of engineering geologic units in the Salt Lake City, Utah metropolitan area, by Francis X. Ashland and Greg N. McDonald, CD-ROM (43 p., 1 pl., 1:75,000), 12/03, OFR-424 $19.95

Other Publications

Earthquake safety in Utah - a progress report for 2000 by the Utah Seismic Safety Commission, 69 p., 4/01 Free

MP-91-1 A guide to reducing losses from future earthquakes in Utah -Consensus document, W.J. Arabasz, ed., 30 p., April 1991 $5.50

AIPG-1 The citizens' guide to geologic hazards, by the American Institute of Professional Geologists, 1993, 134 p. $19.95


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