Science and Technology Innovation Program

Thanks to new technology, people can immediately help seismologists assess the scope and impact of earthquakes by providing valuable firsthand data. The recent east coast quake, centered in Virginia, provided the back drop for our discussion with Colorado-based seismologist, David Wald.

David Wald is a seismologist with the U.S Geological Survey in Golden, Colorado. He is also a member of the faculty at the Colorado School of Mines and is involved in management and operations at the National Earthquake Information Center. He developed and manages "ShakeMap" and "Did You Feel It?" and is responsible for developing other systems for post-earthquake response.

Question 1: What is the nature of data that citizens are able to provide?

Question 2: Are people eager to become involved?

Question 3: It would seem that focusing on reporting can also help individuals stay calm during and in the immediate aftermath of a quake. Is this the case?

Question 4: How reliable is citizen data and what is its value?

Question 5: Are there gaps in your data collection capabilities that citizens can fill?

Question 6: Using the recent Virginia quake as a case study, what can you tell us about response rates?