The California Earthquake Clearinghouse was setup to provide a location after a damaging earthquake, real or virtual, for professionals who arrive in the affected area to become part of a larger, temporary organization (the Clearinghouse) to facilitate the gathering of information, maximize its availability, and better use the talents of those present.

The history of the Clearinghouse has its roots back in 1971 after the San Fernando earthquake.  It was initially setup in California Geological Survey’s downtown LA offices.  Today, the Clearinghouse is a consortium of 5 agencies: California Geological Survey, California Office of Emergency Services, California Seismic Safety Commission, Earthquake Engineering Research Institute, and the United States Geological Survey.  It is also made up of many member organizations, such as the California Department of Transportation (CALTRANS), Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC), California Institute of Technology (Caltech), and NASA/Ames Research Center.

It is a priority of the Clearinghouse to use technology to aid in the collection and distribution of important information after an earthquake in California.  Check out the website to learn more.