SRIG 25-19: Can spatial statistics, and in particular standard deviation ellipses, be used to depict the earthquake data to understand their spread and variability in a visual form?

What was the issue being addressed?

This project examined whether spatial statistics, specifically standard deviational ellipses, can be used to visually summarize earthquake data. By showing where earthquakes are concentrated, how widely they are spread, and the main direction of seismic activity, this approach aims to make complex earthquake patterns easier to understand and interpret.

Provide a brief, lay description of the work undertaken/initiative.

This project involved analyzing a large earthquake dataset using spatial statistics in ArcGIS Pro 3.4 to create magnitude-weighted standard deviational ellipses. The work focused on organizing earthquake records chronologically, applying a sliding window approach, and generating a single feature class that visually summarizes patterns in seismic activity over time. 

What is the expected impact this project will have on the community?

This project benefits the community by making complex earthquake data easier to understand and use. By summarizing thousands of earthquakes into magnitude-weighted standard deviational ellipses, it clearly shows where seismic activity is concentrated, how it spreads, and its dominant direction over time. These visuals support public education, improve hazard communication, and help planners and emergency managers better assess seismic risk. The efficient, reusable workflow also enables ongoing monitoring, future animation, and student or community-led research, strengthening preparedness and engagement.