Utah Geological Survey Receives National Award for Earthquake Research

 

The Utah Geological Survey (UGS) received a 2012 National Award in Excellence for Research at the National Earthquake Conference. The award recognizes the significant contributions to earthquake research and risk reduction made by three Utah Earthquake Working Groups convened under the auspices of the UGS in cooperation with the Utah Seismic Safety Commission and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

Utah’s Earthquake Working Groups program was initiated in 2003 to bring together a broad spectrum of technical experts from state and federal agencies, universities, and the private sector to prioritize and coordinate earthquake-hazard research in Utah.

The three groups, which meet annually, focus on (1) active faulting, (2) earthquake ground shaking, and (3) liquefaction. The groups have been highly successful in expanding various targeted areas of research (in part by obtaining funding and developing partnerships), which has advanced earthquake-related knowledge in Utah.

The significant increase in new data and improved understanding about Utah’s earthquake hazards has spurred the USGS to ask UGS to make presentations to other states in the hope of generating similar programs elsewhere.

Bill Lund (UGS) accepted the award on behalf of the working group members at the 2012 National Earthquake Conference in Memphis, Tennessee.