A study by the U.S. Geological Survey states that c. 143 million people in the US live in areas at risk from potentially damaging earthquakes, with 28 million living in places of "high risk". These figures are a huge increase from previous estimates, due in part to US population growth, advanced scientific measurements and a concentration of population in quake-prone areas such as California. The study does not take into account earthquakes resulting from human activity related to energy extraction. Researchers believe this new report is a useful guide for the government and insurers to evaluate risk.
A study by the US Geological Survey states that c. 143 million people in the US live in areas at risk from potentially damaging earthquakes, with 28 million living in places of "high risk". These figures are a huge increase from previous estimates, due in part to US population growth, advanced scientific measurements and a concentration of population in quake-prone areas such as California. The study does not take into account earthquakes resulting from human activity related to energy extraction. Researchers believe this new report is a useful guide for the government and insurers to evaluate risk.