The 2025 M8.8 Kamchatka earthquake: Rapid characterization in the face of sparse near-source observations
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Zoe Yin
USGS
- Date & Time
- Location
- Online-only seminar via Microsoft Teams
- Host
- Katherine Guns
- Summary
The July 29, 2025 Mw8.8 Kamchatka earthquake was among the top ten largest events to occur globally since 1900. This event was well-observed by global teleseismic networks but relatively poorly observed in the near field, presenting unique challenges to rapid source and impact characterization. Events this large are rare and provide an opportunity to test the performance of response systems and highlight places where future improvements might be the most beneficial. I will give an overview of the evolution of USGS National Earthquake Information Center (NEIC) rapid response data products following the Kamchatka event including the origin, Finite Fault Model, ShakeMap, PAGER alert, Ground Failure, and Aftershock Forecast. I’ll discuss some potential improvements to response workflows motivated by this event, including rapid constraints on the source geometry to improve shaking and loss estimates and the automation of fault geometry selection for subduction interface events. I will discuss what early observations of the event may imply for our understanding of regional tectonics and ongoing hazard. I look forward to discussion on our evolving understanding of this recent event.