What is the probability of a severe earthquake striking a major city?

What is the probability of a severe earthquake striking a major city?

Tom Jordan (Director, Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC)) gives expert video advice on: What is the probability of a severe earthquake striking a major city?; Where do earthquakes most often occur?; What are the most common earthquake myths? and more...

The probability of a severe earthquake striking a city is typically very small, and of course that probability depends on which city you're talking about. Some cities, such as Los Angeles, are in very geologically active regions where earthquakes are common. In those locations, the probability of an earthquake is higher. Some cities, like New York City on the east coast of the United States, are not in a geologically active region, and therefore the probability of an earthquake occurring is lower.