> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://space-axolotls.gitbook.io/space-axolotls-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://space-axolotls.gitbook.io/space-axolotls-docs/api-documentation/test.md).

# USGS Earthquake Hazards Program API

This is a robust, publicly accessible API maintained by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). It provides detailed real-time and historical data on earthquakes occurring worldwide.

**Overview**

* Provider: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
* Purpose: To distribute information about seismic activity recorded by the global network of seismographs.
* Authentication: None required. It is a free and open API.
* Primary Data Format: GeoJSON (also available in KML, CSV, and XML).

**Main Endpoints**

The API has several endpoints. The most common is the real-time feed, which can be easily customized.

* Base URL for Feeds: `https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/feed/v1.0/summary/{magnitude}_{timespan}.geojson`
  * `{magnitude}`: The minimum magnitude of earthquakes to display (e.g., `all`, `1.0`, `2.5`, `4.5`, `significant`).
  * `{timespan}`: The time period to query (e.g., `hour`, `day`, `week`, `month`).
* Example (Earthquakes in the last 24 hours, all magnitudes):

  ```
  https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/feed/v1.0/summary/all_day.geojson
  ```

**Advanced Search Endpoint**

For more specific queries, the `query` endpoint can be used.

* Base URL: `https://earthquake.usgs.gov/fdsnws/event/1/query`

**Common Search Parameters**

These can be added as parameters to the advanced search URL (e.g., `?format=geojson&starttime=...`).

| Parameter      | Description                                         | Example                                   |
| -------------- | --------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------- |
| `format`       | The format of the response data.                    | `geojson`                                 |
| `starttime`    | Start date and time (ISO 8601 format).              | `2025-10-01`                              |
| `endtime`      | End date and time (ISO 8601 format).                | `2025-10-05T23:00:00`                     |
| `minmagnitude` | Minimum magnitude of the earthquake.                | `5.5`                                     |
| `latitude`     | Latitude for the center of the search.              | `19.4326`                                 |
| `longitude`    | Longitude for the center of the search.             | `-99.1332`                                |
| `maxradiuskm`  | Maximum radius in kilometers from the center point. | `500`                                     |
| `orderby`      | Sort the results.                                   | `time` (most recent first) or `magnitude` |


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