Idaho is earthquake
country. Our rugged terrain is the result of tectonic activity, which produces
earthquakes. Some of the largest earthquakes recorded in the Intermountain West
have occurred in or near Idaho: the 1983 M6.9 Borah Peak earthquake and the
1959 M7.3 Hebgen Lake earthquake. The
2020
M6.5 Stanley earthquake is the second largest
earthquake to occur within Idaho in recorded history.
The Idaho Geological
Survey studies earthquakes and faults to better understand potential hazards.
IGS maintains and monitors a regional network of seismometers that detect and
locate earthquakes. We also map and investigate active faults that can produce
earthquakes.