Earthquake Loss Estimation Study for Passaic County, New Jersey: Geologic Component

This report provides details on the seismic soil properties and economic loss estimates for Passaic County, New Jersey. Damaging earthquakes in New Jersey are rare, but they have occurred and undoubtedly will again. Although predicting the time, place, and magnitude of earthquakes is not possible, their potential to do damage can be. Computer software (HAZUS) developed under the direction of FEMA was developed to simulate ground-shaking, building damage, and estimate economic loss for potential earthquakes. Results of these simulations are used to guide the strengthening of structures built on vulnerable soils and to plan emergency response. The N. J. Geological Survey maps (completed by county at 1:24,000 scale) the seismic soil properties, including shaking behavior, liquefaction susceptibility, and tendency to landslide. For each of the six N.J. counties that are part of this study, HAZUS simulations use geologic data to provide damage and loss estimates for selected earthquake scenarios.Prepared for the New Jersey State Police, Office of Emergency Managemen