Colorado experiences fewer and less frequent earthquakes on average than more seismically active states like California and Alaska. The active landscape of the state-with the still-rising mountains containing thousands of faults-features over 90 potentially active faults and more than 700 recorded earthquakes of magnitude 2.5 or higher since 1867.
Colorado’s high mountains are a result of uplift on faults (with associated earthquakes) that are part of the rift system. These waves can cause noticeable shaking at the surface and, in the case of large earthquakes, damage to roads, buildings, and other infrastructure that may pose a threat to public safety.Ĭolorado is considered an active tectonic province that is essentially being pulled apart where the Rio Grande Rift cuts north/south across the mountainous, central part of the state. The resulting earthquake releases energy in waves that travel through the earth’s crust. As the rocks on either side of the fault accumulate stress between them, they will eventually overcome friction and slip. They released this map for the lower 48 states in 2014.Think you just felt an earthquake? Check out the USGS Latest Earthquakes Map.Įarthquakes are caused by sudden movements of the earth along a fault. USGS scientists update these maps as they get more data and their knowledge about earthquake hazards improves.
See here for older maps for Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. Geological Survey Seismic Hazard Maps and Data (2014). Click here to access the latest map that includes induced earthquake hazards. Geological Survey has produced an annual seismic hazard map for the central and eastern United States that includes induced earthquakes.
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