Database for the Central United States Velocity Model, v1.3

We have developed a new three-dimensional seismic velocity model of the central United States (CUSVM) that includes the New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ) and covers parts of Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, and Tennessee. The model represents a compilation of decades of crustal research consisting of seismic, aeromagnetic, and gravity profiles; geologic mapping; geophysical and geological borehole logs; and inversions of the regional seismic properties. The density and P- and S-wave velocities are synthesized in a stand-alone spatial database that can be queried to generate the required input for numerical seismic-wave propagation simulations. The velocity model has been tested and calibrated by simulating ground motions of the 18 April 2008 Mw 5.4 Mt. Carmel, Illinois, earthquake and comparing the results with observed records within the model area (see associated publication).

Data and Resources

Field Value
accessLevel public
bureauCode {010:12}
catalog_@context https://project-open-data.cio.gov/v1.1/schema/catalog.jsonld
catalog_conformsTo https://project-open-data.cio.gov/v1.1/schema
catalog_describedBy https://project-open-data.cio.gov/v1.1/schema/catalog.json
identifier USGS:60880867d34e0fbbe3ddba0a
metadata_type geospatial
modified 20210816
old-spatial -92.9000, 39.9000, -85.1000, 33.1000
publisher U.S. Geological Survey
publisher_hierarchy Department of the Interior > U.S. Geological Survey
resource-type Dataset
source_datajson_identifier true
source_hash 95b32df4a33a7799b2dc72afd0391ecb616e7b83
source_schema_version 1.1
spatial {"type": "Polygon", "coordinates": [[[-92.9000, 39.9000], [-92.9000, 33.1000], [ -85.1000, 33.1000], [ -85.1000, 39.9000], [-92.9000, 39.9000]]]}
theme {geospatial}
Groups
  • AmeriGEOSS
  • National Provider
  • North America
Tags
  • amerigeo
  • amerigeoss
  • ckan
  • earthquake-hazards-program
  • earthquake-science-center
  • ehp
  • esc
  • geo
  • geoss
  • national
  • north-america
  • united-states
  • usgs
  • usgs-60880867d34e0fbbe3ddba0a
isopen False
license_id notspecified
license_title License not specified
maintainer Boyd, Oliver S.
maintainer_email olboyd@usgs.gov
metadata_created 2025-11-21T19:44:25.905666
metadata_modified 2025-11-21T19:44:25.905671
notes We have developed a new three-dimensional seismic velocity model of the central United States (CUSVM) that includes the New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ) and covers parts of Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, and Tennessee. The model represents a compilation of decades of crustal research consisting of seismic, aeromagnetic, and gravity profiles; geologic mapping; geophysical and geological borehole logs; and inversions of the regional seismic properties. The density and P- and S-wave velocities are synthesized in a stand-alone spatial database that can be queried to generate the required input for numerical seismic-wave propagation simulations. The velocity model has been tested and calibrated by simulating ground motions of the 18 April 2008 Mw 5.4 Mt. Carmel, Illinois, earthquake and comparing the results with observed records within the model area (see associated publication).
num_resources 2
num_tags 14
title Database for the Central United States Velocity Model, v1.3