September 24, 2014

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) held an educational seminar for members of the media on September 24 on how to accurately report on earthquakes following an event. The seminar, Earthquake 101: Resources for Reporting on Earthquakes (For News Media), introduced reporters to the types of information available through USGS and how to interpret that information for their own reporting.

Following an earthquake, the USGS website automatically updates with information from seismic stations around the world. Within four minutes of an event, the USGS can determine the location, magnitude, and focal mechanism of an earthquake to produce a map of initial shaking intensities throughout the affected region.

Sources: U.S. Geological Survey