Harley M. Benz, a distinguished figure in the field of seismology and former technical coordinator for the Advanced National Seismic System (ANSS) at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), has been named the recipient of the prestigious 2024 Frank Press Public Service Award. This esteemed award recognizes Harley Benz’s exceptional contributions to enhancing public understanding and communication of earthquake science.
The Seismological Society of America (SSA) has bestowed this honor upon Harley Benz in acknowledgment of his transformative work in making earthquake science accessible and comprehensible to a wide range of audiences, including students, the media, and policymakers. His innovative approaches and unwavering dedication have significantly bridged the gap between complex scientific data and public awareness.
Gavin Hayes, Senior Science Advisor for Earthquake and Geologic Hazards at the USGS, in his nomination, underscored the profound impact of Harley Benz’s leadership in earthquake monitoring and characterization on a global scale. He lauded Benz’s effective public engagement and outreach efforts, as well as his research aimed at bolstering the USGS’s mission to improve situational awareness and expedite the delivery of crucial earthquake information for effective response actions. Harley Benz’s work has been instrumental in refining how earthquake information is disseminated and utilized.
Harley Benz’s influence extends to the very infrastructure of earthquake monitoring in the United States. He was a key architect in the development of ANSS and the modernization of earthquake operations across participating seismic networks. His co-authorship of the pivotal 1999 Congressional Report, “An Assessment of Seismic Monitoring in the United States,” laid the groundwork for the formation and funding of ANSS. Colleagues commend Harley Benz’s exceptional ability to foster trust and collaboration with regional network operators, a factor deemed critical to the resounding success of the ANSS program.
Furthermore, Harley Benz is recognized for his pivotal role in revolutionizing USGS earthquake analysis and reporting procedures. He spearheaded the modernization of data processing and operational workflows at the National Earthquake Information Center (NEIC), transitioning towards automation and reducing labor-intensive processes. Under his guidance, the rapid dissemination of earthquake information became standard practice. Real-time notifications, web services, and data feeds were implemented to promptly deliver vital data to government agencies, emergency responders, media outlets, and the general public. Today, NEIC stands as a global hub, processing continuous data streams from over 2,200 seismic stations contributed by more than 145 seismic networks worldwide, a testament to the systems Harley Benz helped establish.
A hallmark of Harley Benz’s approach is his pioneering use of innovative communication tools, notably ArcGIS StoryMaps, to democratize earthquake science. His colleagues highlight the groundbreaking impact of story maps in contextualizing complex seismic events within tectonic and seismological frameworks, rendering them understandable to diverse audiences, from classrooms to newsrooms. The story map created for the devastating 2023 Kahramanmaraş, Turkey, earthquake sequence serves as a compelling example of this effective communication strategy.
Beyond his technical achievements, Harley Benz has demonstrated a strong commitment to nurturing the next generation of seismologists. He has mentored numerous graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career scientists, shaping the future of the field. His impact extends internationally through the forging of key partnerships during his tenure at USGS. Harley Benz played a crucial role in the development of the Caribbean and N4 networks, the expansion of the Global Seismographic Network, and strengthened collaborations with the nuclear test ban treaty monitoring community through the International Monitoring System (IMS). These collaborations have resulted in the invaluable real-time availability of high-quality digital data from these networks to NEIC, a direct result of Harley Benz’s dedicated efforts to advance global seismic monitoring and data sharing. Harley Benz’s legacy is one of impactful scientific contributions coupled with a profound dedication to public service through clear and accessible communication of vital scientific knowledge.
