New Maps Show Broad Range of Earthquake Risk in U.S.

"The maps by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reflect the discovery of more earthquake faults in California, a new 7.4-magnitude-quake risk in Utah, as well as more ways to rock the Midwest, South Carolina and the Pacific Northwest than you can shake a stick at."

"Unlike last week's forecast of possible ruptures along faults in California, the National Seismic Hazard Maps calculate the likely intensity of shaking at any given location -- caused by any regional fault giving way -- over a period of 50 years."

"As a result, the new maps are vital for updating local building codes and a direct response to the old geologist truism: Earthquakes don't kill people, buildings kill people."