Global Seism Hazard

The Global Seismic Hazard Map is a raster dataset produced by the Global Seismic Hazard
Assessment Program (GSHAP), a project coordinated by GFZ Potsdam under the UN International
Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction. Pixel values represent Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA)
in m/s², expressing the level of ground shaking with a 10% probability of exceedance in
50 years (corresponding to a 475-year return period). This layer provides a globally
consistent baseline of seismic hazard, widely used in risk modelling, engineering design,
and insurance exposure assessment.

Technical information

Data coincides with the actual GeoNetwork catalog record - this is our most recent verified data.

Interpreting the data

values are classified from Very Low (< 0.2 m/s²) to Extreme
(> 5.0 m/s²). Higher PGA values indicate areas subject to stronger and more frequent
ground shaking. The most hazardous zones correspond to major tectonic plate boundaries
such as the Pacific Ring of Fire, the Himalayas, and the Mediterranean–Trans-Asiatic belt.
[colour ramp to be confirmed]

Resolution and update frequency

approximately 0.1° × 0.1° (~10 km at the equator), reprojected to
EPSG:3857. This is a static dataset reflecting long-term probabilistic seismic hazard;
it is not updated in real time. Note: a more recent global seismic hazard dataset based
on the GEM (Global Earthquake Model) 2023 catalogue is also available as a separate layer.

Source

https://www.gfz-potsdam.de/en/GSHAP/ (GFZ Potsdam — Global Seismic Hazard Assessment Program). Data use permitted with source acknowledgment required.