Hundreds of earthquakes occur throughout the world every day. Most of these earthquakes are too small to be felt by people, but can be detected by seismometers. By analyzing the seismograms of these small earthquakes, in addition to larger ones, scientists can learn about Earth structure and dynamics, and the physical processes controlling earthquakes and volcanoes.
USArray, a component of the fifteen-year EarthScope experiment, is placing a combination of permanent and portable seismographs on public and private lands across the continental United States to permit detection of the smallest earth movements to great earthquakes thousands of miles away. To achieve the best possible imaging capabilities, the USArray facility consists of four major components:
1. A Transportable Array of 400 broadband seismometers is being deployed in a uniform, rolling, 70-km grid.
2. A Flexible Array of 291 broadband stations, 120 short period stations, and 1700 active-source stations permits high-resolution studies within the broader-spaced Transportable Array, allowing a range of specific targets to be addressed in a focused manner.
3. A Reference Network of fixed seismic stations ties together the Transportable and Flexible Array experiments.4. A Magnetotelluric Facility of seven permanent and 20 portable sensors, installed in conjunction with USArray seismic instrumentation, records naturally occurring electric and magnetic fields.
  Current station locations Check on the current status of the stations or locate any EarthScope station by instrument, facility, station, or region. |
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Host a seismic station
The monumental task of placing thousands of seismometers across the U.S. is made possible by the generosity of landowners who give permission to place an instrument on their property. Are you interested in hosting a seismic station?
Did the earth move?
Find out how much the ground shook near you by going to the USArray Station Monitor.
EarthScope is a partnership extending throughout the Earth science community, including more than 100 universities, the National Science Foundation, US Geological Survey, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Department of Energy, regional seismic networks and state geological surveys.
