California · Nevada · Oregon · Northern Mexico
Seismic Intensity Estimates
The goal of the Intensity Lab is to change how we talk about earthquakes, moving past a single magnitude number to focus on site-specific seismic intensities, which can provide the essential information needed to make smart decisions after the shaking stops.
For significant USGS western U.S. earthquakes we report observed intensities at seismic stations and ShakeMap-interpolated intensities at named places. How the estimates are made →
Earthquake science communication
Our goal is to develop compelling media that communicates site-specific seismic intensity as post-earthquake science content that is accurate, visual, and shareable — helping people understand intensity in terms they can see and feel. These are the formats we produce today. We are still building.
Available now
Six formats, produced automatically after a significant eventPopulation MMI List
Estimated intensity at every populated place the ShakeMap grid covers — who felt what, by name.
See the list → Event summarySeismic Station MMI List
Intensity derived directly from station recordings — measured ground motion, not interpolated.
See the list → Site reportNearest Population Site Report
One place in depth: interpolated MMI, four NGA-West2 model estimates, site Vs30, and peak ground motion.
Read the report → Video · BBP motionNearest Population Site Video
Everyday objects shaken by a physics-based seismogram computed on the SCEC Broadband Platform for the closest town.
Watch → Video · FDSN motionNearest Seismic Station Video
The same scene driven by a real recording — an FDSN waveform with instrument response removed and integrated to displacement.
Watch → Video · BBP motionGround Motion Decay Video
One earthquake at 5, 50, and 100 km side by side, showing how quickly the shaking people feel falls off with distance.
Watch →Site last deployed: August 27, 2026.