The long-term geologic hazards in areas struck by large-magnitude earthquakes

Abstract

Large-magnitude earthquakes occur every year, but most hit remote and uninhabited regions and thus go unnoticed. Although populated areas are affected infrequently by large earthquakes, each time the outcomes are devastating in terms of life and property loss. The human and economic costs of natural hazards are on the rise as population growth pushes into high-risk areas,which leads to increased exposure to potentially disastrous geologic events.