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Dataset Overview | National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)

Strong Motion Earthquake Data Values of Digitized Strong-Motion Accelerograms, 1933-1994 (Superseded Version)

browse graphicAccelerograph image of the Imperial Valley Aftershock May 19, 1940 at El Centro, California.
The NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information decommissioned the Strong Motion Earthquake Data Values of Digitized Strong-Motion Accelerograms, 1933-1994 on May 05, 2025 with no further updates. Upon termination, the underlying data will be available from https://doi.org/10.25921/4ac6-8z18. Comments and questions may be sent to: ncei.info@noaa.gov. Note this metadata record is accompanied by another newer version of metadata for the same product. The Strong Motion Earthquake Data Values of Digitized Strong-Motion Accelerograms is a database of over 15,000 digitized and processed accelerograph records from 1933 to 1994. Data were obtained from a variety of structural and geologic environments. Most of the data are available in three levels of processed files. The first type of file contains raw (uncorrected) time, history data points digitized from the analog accelerogram. The second is a filtered, instrument corrected version of the time, history data. This file also contains calculated velocities and displacements obtained by the integration and double integration of the corrected accelerations. The third type of file includes the calculated Fourier and response spectra data. The data are from the United States, Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, El Salvador, Fiji, Germany, Greece, India, Iran, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Taiwan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan. This database is static and is no longer being updated.
  • Cite as: US National Geophysical Data Center / World Data Service (NGDC/WDS) (2025). Strong Motion Earthquake Data Values of Digitized Strong-Motion Accelerograms, 1933-1994 (NCEI Accession 0303927). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://doi.org/10.25921/4ac6-8z18. Accessed [date].
gov.noaa.ngdc.mgg.hazards:G01145
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Distribution Formats
  • Originator data format
Ordering Instructions Contact NCEI for other distribution options and instructions.
Distributor NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
ncei.info@noaa.gov
Dataset Point of Contact NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
ncei.info@noaa.gov
Time Period 1933-03-11 to 1994-01-17
Spatial Bounding Box Coordinates
West: -178.
East: 178.
South: -45.
North: 62.
Spatial Coverage Map
General Documentation
Publication Dates
  • publication: 1996-04-13
Data Presentation Form Digital table - digital representation of facts or figures systematically displayed, especially in columns
Dataset Progress Status Complete - production of the data has been completed
Data Update Frequency Not planned - There are no plans to update the data in this collection.
Purpose Provide strong motion earthquake data for engineering research
Dataset Citation
  • Cite as: US National Geophysical Data Center / World Data Service (NGDC/WDS) (2025). Strong Motion Earthquake Data Values of Digitized Strong-Motion Accelerograms, 1933-1994 (NCEI Accession 0303927). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://doi.org/10.25921/4ac6-8z18. Accessed [date].
Publishers
Theme keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Science Keywords
  • Earth Science > Solid Earth > Seismology > Earthquake Dynamics
  • Earth Science > Solid Earth > Seismology > Earthquake Occurrences
Data Center keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Data Center Keywords
  • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCEI > National Centers for Environmental Information, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
  • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NGDC > National Geophysical Data Center, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
Instrument keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Instrument Keywords
  • Accelerographs
  • Accelerometers
  • Digitizer
Place keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords
  • Global
Project keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Project Keywords
  • ICSU-WDS > International Council for Science - World Data System
Use Constraints
  • Use liability: NOAA and NCEI cannot provide any warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of furnished data. Users assume responsibility to determine the usability of these data. The user is responsible for the results of any application of this data for other than its intended purpose.
Access Constraints
  • Distribution liability: NOAA and NCEI make no warranty, expressed or implied, regarding these data, nor does the fact of distribution constitute such a warranty. NOAA and NCEI cannot assume liability for any damages caused by any errors or omissions in these data. If appropriate, NCEI can only certify that the data it distributes are an authentic copy of the records that were accepted for inclusion in the NCEI archives.
Other Constraints Cite as: US National Geophysical Data Center / World Data Service (NGDC/WDS) (2025). Strong Motion Earthquake Data Values of Digitized Strong-Motion Accelerograms, 1933-1994 (NCEI Accession 0303927). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://doi.org/10.25921/4ac6-8z18. Accessed [date].
Fees
  • In most cases, electronic downloads of the data are free. However, fees may apply for custom orders, data certifications, copies of analog materials, and data distribution on physical media.
Lineage information for: dataset
Lineage Statement The database was started in the 1970s. The purpose was to provide access to raw and processed earthquake strong motion data to earthquake engineers.
Processor
  • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCEI > National Centers for Environmental Information, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
Processing Steps
  • 2025-05-05T00:00:00Z - The NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information decommissioned the Strong Motion Earthquake Data Values of Digitized Strong-Motion Accelerograms, 1933-1994 on May 05, 2025 with no further updates. Upon termination, the underlying data will be available from https://doi.org/10.25921/4ac6-8z18. Comments and questions may be sent to: ncei.info@noaa.gov
Lineage information for: repository
Processing Steps
  • 2015-04-22T00:00:00 - NOAA created the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) by merging NOAA's National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC), and National Oceanographic Data Center (NODC), including the National Coastal Data Development Center (NCDDC), per the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015, Public Law 113-235. NCEI launched publicly on April 22, 2015.
Last Modified: 2025-05-08
For questions about the information on this page, please email: ncei.info@noaa.gov