Swiss Seismological Service (SED)

Enlarged view: Boundary between the American and the Eurasian plate — © Alexander Mustard

Earthquakes are caused by sudden rock movements. Most earthquakes are generated along plate boundaries. The photo shows the boundary between the American (left side) and the Eurasian plate (right side; Silfra Canyon at Thingvellir National Park, Iceland).

Enlarged view: Distribution of the earthquakes along the plate using black dots — Distribution of earthquakes along the plate boundaries (black dots)

The world's strongest earthquakes occur along plate boundaries. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is the plate boundary between the Eurasian and North American continental plate that are spreading with an average velocity of 2 cm/yr.

Enlarged view: Map of Iceland — Plate boundary running through Iceland (orange line)

Hot lava escapes from the upper mantle through the crust on to the Earth's surface, cools down and creates new sub-marine rock material or even an island, as it is happening in Iceland to this day. From the results obtained in Iceland, scientists can learn how new plates are being formed, which normaly can only be studied in the depths of the oceans.

Image of the Swiss Seismological Service (SED) group

The Swiss Seismological Service (SED) monitors the earthquake activity of Switzerland and compiles seismic hazard maps. Additionally, researchers of the SED participate in national and international research projects.

The Swiss Seismological Service (SED) at ETH Zurich

Additional Information

Opening hours

Mon–Fri: 9:00–17:00
Sun: 10:00-16:00
Sat: closed

Free admission

Available by phone

Mon–Fri: 9:00–17:00

Phone +41 44 632 62 81