Chances are pretty good that you live in a potential earthquake area, U.S. Geological Survey study says

The number of Americans living in potential earthquake areas is significantly higher than previous thought, says a study by the U.S. Geological Survey published in the journal Earthquake Spectre. The study does not include earthquakes linked to man-made activities, such as earthquakes blamed on the oil and gas industry.

Overall, 43 million Americans in the 48 contiguous states live in potential earthquake areas, 75 million more than estimates from 2006, Elahe Izadi reports for The Washington Post. "Add in Alaska and Hawaii, and just about half of Americans live in potential earthquake areas." (Post graphic)

Researchers said potential earthquake areas have increased significantly since 2006, mostly because of the development of more advanced research methods, increased overall population "and a concentration of population in high-risk areas, such as California," Izadi writes. That means that 28 million people live in "high potential" areas and 57 million in "moderate" hazard zones. (Read more)