Introduction

Earthquake geology produces a wide range of data critical to both seismic hazard assessments and earthquake science in general. The SCEC Earthquake Geology Information Warehouse is intended to serve as an virtual umbrella for similar types of well organized and documented information. Currently, the SCEC Earthquake Geology Information Warehouse serves the SCEC Geologic Slip Rate Database and the SCEC Precariously Balanced Rocks Project. With support and assistance from the community, we hope to expand the Earthquake Geology Information Warehouse to incorporate additional datasets. This may include (but is not limited to) geochronology data, long-term vertical motion estimates, paleoseismic data, and other data sets of interest to the SCEC community.

Geologic Slip Rate Database

The SCEC Geologic Slip Rate Database comprises a collection of geologic slip rate estimates for faults in California, Nevada, and a small portion of northernmost Mexico. Fault slip rates are critical inputs to seismic hazard estimates and are critical to a wide range of SCEC activities. The SCEC Geologic Slip Rate Database provides quick access to existing geologic slip rate estimates and references (where available) via the user-friendly Geologic Slip Rate Database Explorer.

Precariously Balanced Rocks Project

Precariously balanced rocks (PBRs) – a subtype of fragile geologic features (FGFs) – are naturally occurring geological features that could be easily toppled by strong earthquake shaking. They provide several forms of information valuable for understanding seismic hazard. In the specific regions where PBRs occur, they provide direct information about strong ground motions not exceeded during their lifetimes.