Utah Geological Survey earthquake-response plan and investigation field guide (OFR-384)

By: B. J. Solomon

This plan provides guidelines for response by the Utah Geological Survey (UGS) to significant earthquakes in Utah. The UGS is the lead state scientific agency responsible for understanding, documenting, and responding to geologic hazards. The plan defines criteria for selection of earthquakes to be investigated, delineates roles of UGS personnel during response, and outlines investigation objectives and procedures.

The plan recognizes the critical need for documenting geologic effects of earthquakes. Observation of these effects by geoscientists can add substantially to the information available to public officials managing response and recovery, and lessons learned can be incorporated into standards and practices for future hazard reduction. Also, earthquakes attract numerous geoscience professionals from diverse organizations, all intent on learning and lending assistance. Providing a forum for information exchange among geoscientists and engineers is a key element of this plan, which includes a post-earthquake information clearinghouse to help coordinate information gathering and availability.

The plan describes three major activities: 1.) Conducting post-earthquake field investigations by UGS staff, 2.) Coordinating activities with other emergency-response and geoscience professionals, and 3.) Reporting investigation results.

Other Information:
Published: 2001
Pages: 24 p. + 32 p. appendix
Location: Utah
Media Type: Paper Publication