Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you've wondered about earthquakes and how QuakeWatch works.
Our data refreshes every 60 seconds, pulling directly from the USGS FDSN Event API. The live map and sidebar both update automatically without a page reload.
Yes. We use the USGS FDSN global query API (fdsnws/event/1/) which aggregates data from all contributing seismic networks worldwide — including JMA (Japan), EMSC (Europe/Mediterranean), GFZ (Germany/global), Geoscience Australia, and dozens more. Every M2.5+ earthquake anywhere on the planet should appear within minutes of being processed.
Small earthquakes (below M2.5) in regions with sparse seismic networks may take longer to appear, or may not be reported at all if no local network detected them. Very remote ocean areas can also have gaps. For M3.0 and above, global coverage is excellent.
The world map shows all M3.0+ earthquakes from the past 24 hours. Earthquakes below M3.0 appear in the right-hand sidebar list. Events smaller than M2.5 are mostly detected only by dense local networks and are not part of the global feed.
Yes. Click any earthquake on the map or list to open its detail page, then use the 'I Felt It' section to rate the intensity and describe your experience. No account is required.
Depth is how far below the Earth's surface the earthquake originated. Shallow quakes (0–70 km) generally cause more surface shaking and damage than deep quakes. The 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquake was shallow (~18 km), which contributed to its destructiveness.
A tsunami warning means an earthquake may have displaced enough seafloor to generate a dangerous ocean wave. Always follow instructions from your national emergency services immediately — do not wait to see the water.
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