Group A, Poster #315, Applied Science Implementation (ASI)
The NEHRP post-earthquake investigations program
Poster Image:
Poster Presentation
2025 SCEC Annual Meeting, Poster #315, SCEC Contribution #14599 VIEW PDF
nd groups. The USGS is the lead agency for activating and coordinating such investigations.
A plan for the coordination of investigations is presented in USGS Circular 1542 “Plan To Coordinate Post-Earthquake Investigations Supported by the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP)” <https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/cir1542>. The Plan describes the activation and coordination of the four designated NEHRP Agencies, and also coordination between NEHRP Agencies and other organizations that may participate, including other Federal agencies; State, regional, local, Tribal, and territorial agencies; domestic nongovernmental organizations; academic institutions; private companies; foreign agencies and organizations; and international organizations. The Plan delineates the coordination of scientific and engineering investigations to document the direct, indirect, and cascading physical and societal impacts from fault rupture and ground shaking hazards and from secondary hazards such as landslides, liquefaction, and tsunamis. In addition, the Plan identifies pre-event activities to ensure that investigations are executed effectively.
When a significant earthquake occurs the NEHRP Agencies determine if full support of NEHRP is warranted, and if so, stand up an ad-hoc Earthquake Investigation Committee (EIC). The focus of the EIC is to coordinate broad-based investigations by engaging with active investigators and creating an opportunity for them to communicate in real time and to share investigation plans, details about data gathered, and lessons learned. The EIC utilizes results to support an analysis of key lessons, which are to be communicated widely through summary reports, workshops, public messaging, or other means.
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A plan for the coordination of investigations is presented in USGS Circular 1542 “Plan To Coordinate Post-Earthquake Investigations Supported by the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP)” <https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/cir1542>. The Plan describes the activation and coordination of the four designated NEHRP Agencies, and also coordination between NEHRP Agencies and other organizations that may participate, including other Federal agencies; State, regional, local, Tribal, and territorial agencies; domestic nongovernmental organizations; academic institutions; private companies; foreign agencies and organizations; and international organizations. The Plan delineates the coordination of scientific and engineering investigations to document the direct, indirect, and cascading physical and societal impacts from fault rupture and ground shaking hazards and from secondary hazards such as landslides, liquefaction, and tsunamis. In addition, the Plan identifies pre-event activities to ensure that investigations are executed effectively.
When a significant earthquake occurs the NEHRP Agencies determine if full support of NEHRP is warranted, and if so, stand up an ad-hoc Earthquake Investigation Committee (EIC). The focus of the EIC is to coordinate broad-based investigations by engaging with active investigators and creating an opportunity for them to communicate in real time and to share investigation plans, details about data gathered, and lessons learned. The EIC utilizes results to support an analysis of key lessons, which are to be communicated widely through summary reports, workshops, public messaging, or other means.
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Citation: Blanpied, M. L. (2025, 09). The NEHRP post-earthquake investigations program. Poster Presentation at 2025 SCEC Annual Meeting.
Keywords: Post-earthquake investigations, NEHRP, resilience
Relevant SCEC Themes:
Improving Observations and Closing Data Gaps
Applied Science Implementation
Outreach and Community Engagement
