Geologic Hazards In Pennsylvania

Describes the most frequent & widespread natural geological hazards in Pennsylvania: landslides & sinkholes & other solution features. Earthquakes have not been of sufficient intensity in Pennsylvania to cause much concern but they are briefly discussed here. Descriptions of these hazards & an awareness of their distribution will help planners, local government officials, developers, & private citizens to recognize & deal with them in a timely & effective manner. Maps & photos.

Compared to other states, especially California and Alaska, PA is relatively free of earthquake activity. Nevertheless, earthquakes do occur in PA, and PA may be subject to the effects of earthquakes that have epicenters located outside our borders. Contents: What is an Earthquake?; Earthquakes and Plate Boundaries; Earthquake Magnitude and Intensity; Earthquake Hazard and Earthquake Risk; Hazard of Earthquakes Having Epicenters Outside PA: New Madrid, MO, the St. Lawrence region, Charleston, SC, and other East Coast areas; Hazard of Earthquakes Having Epicenters in PA: Seismicity in PA, Magnitude-frequency relationship for the Lancaster seismic zone, and a probabilistic approach; Conclusion; and References. Illus.