EARTHQUAKES IN THE VIRTUAL CLEARINGHOUSE:

Kashmir Earthquake | Niigata Ken Chuetsu
Sumatra Earthquake Tsunami Disaster

THE VIRTUAL CLEARINGHOUSE CONCEPT

The goal of the Virtual Clearinghouse is to facilitate information dissemination after major earthquakes. The clearinghouse is meant to be a centralized location for researchers of all disciplines to exchange data after particular earthquakes. It is a place to store data obtained directly after an earthquake as well as to store longer-term projects such as presentations and papers on lessons learned. Our vision is for a long-term, accurate database which becomes a unique resource for those interested in learning from earthquakes.

Data collected by EERI reconnaissance teams as well as independent reconnaissance groups are placed on the virtual clearinghouse as they become available. Much of these data are available for public perusal so that individuals can track the progress of the reconnaissance and find the most up-to-date information on the earthquake.

Additional data are password-protected so that incomplete or potentially sensitive information does not get disseminated. These areas provide a forum for those who are collecting reconnaissance information, researching and contributing data.

The virtual clearinghouse is supported by funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation.