USGS Advanced National Seismic System

The mission of ANSS is to provide accurate and timely data and information products for seismic events in the United States, including their effects on buildings and structures, employing modern monitoring methods and technologies. ANSS will establish nationwide network of over 7000 earthquake sensor systems, serving all areas of the country subject to earthquake hazards and providing dense coverage in 26 at-risk urban areas (see map). Sensors will be located both in the ground and in buildings and other structures. The system will provide real-time earthquake information for emergency response personnel, provide engineers with information about building and site response to strong shaking, and provide scientists with high-quality data needed to understand earthquake processes and structure and dynamics of the solid earth.