Abstract black background with curved gray contour lines illustrating seismic wave patterns, symbolizing earthquake activity and motion.

Who We Are

Established in 1997, the Consortium of Organizations for Strong-Motion Observation Systems (COSMOS) is a 501(c)(3) membership organization dedicated to advancing earthquake science and engineering.

We bring together programs and institutions from around the world to:

  • Improve strong-motion measurements

  • Solve shared challenges with instrumentation and data

  • Support the dissemination of strong-motion data for research and practice

Abstract black background with curved gray contour lines illustrating seismic wave patterns, symbolizing earthquake activity and motion.
Horizontal red gradient bar transitioning from deep red to light pink, used as a design accent representing seismic intensity or motion.
Red-toned world map graphic with concentric seismic wave patterns and digital hexagon overlay representing global earthquake activity and data analysis.
Black halftone dot pattern on white background used as a modern design accent suggesting vibration, motion, or seismic texture.

Our Mission

COSMOS promotes the use of instrumentation and simulations for ground-motion, geotechnical, and structural response analysis to foster resilient communities.

We empower progress through international guidelines, state-of-the-art processes, and global collaboration.

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Our History

It took many years for public seismic hazard awareness and the political climate to ready themselves for an organization like COSMOS.

National interest in earthquake hazards began to grow after the Mw9.2 “Good Friday” Alaska earthquake in 1964. Soon after, NEHRP provided the unification of politics and funding, and several instrumental workshops in the late 1970s and 1980s quickly followed. The collection of documents resulting from these workshops provided the recommendations that laid the foundation for the formation of COSMOS.

Started in 1997 by CASMP with Charter, COSMOS is a non-profit consortium of organizations whose goal is to expand and modernize the acquisition and application of strong-motion data to increase public safety from earthquakes.

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Our Vision

To be a global leader in the earthquake community by elevating the standard of practice for seismic hazard assessment and risk reduction.

COSMOS works toward these specific objectives:

  • Group of people leaned over a table discussing innovation and policy for earthquake research.
  • A map with multiple pic points to showcase the international collaboration of COSMOS
  • An image of an urban building and construction to showcase the urban and critical sites of strong-motion measurement.
  • People pointing to graphs and papers on a table showing the analysis of strong-motion data
  • a group of three people working together and looking over a document to show the support of strong-motion programs
  • a guy showing other people something on a written board showing how COSMOS works to solve problems with data quality, processing, dissemination and utilization.
  • People working together over a laptop to showcase COSMOS' attention to user engagement.
  • An image of a downtown city showing the improved earthquake resistance of the environment through COSMOS' research.
  • a green seismic graph on a black background to showcase COSMOS' research and education.
Vibrant red and pink waveform on a black background symbolizing seismic activity or earthquake motion, used as a visual representation of strong-motion data.

By advancing strong-motion science, standardizing data practices, and fostering global collaboration, COSMOS helps transform cutting-edge research into safer buildings, resilient infrastructure, and stronger communities.

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Red gradient banner with the COSMOS circular logo featuring a world map and seismic wave line, symbolizing global earthquake monitoring and research.