La Tierra In Motion
Building Resilience Through Science and Community
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La Tierra In Motion is a Hearts In Motion program that manages the Increasing Natural Hazard Resiliency in Guatemala grant from Geoscientists Without Borders (GWB). La Tierra In Motion’s mission is to improve earthquake and volcano monitoring while increasing public awareness of geohazards in vulnerable communities.
Our Approach
We focus on two key strategies:
Community-Based Education
Hosting workshops to raise awareness about earthquakes, volcanoes, and how to stay safe.
Monitoring and Technology
Expanding Guatemala’s capacity to detect and respond to seismic and volcanic activity.
KEY PARTNER
INSIVUMEH
Our primary program partner is INSIVUMEH, Guatemala’s national institute for seismology, volcanology, meteorology, and hydrology.
In addition, we collaborate with national and international institutions, including:
- Regional firefighters and EMTs
- Universidad San Carlos de Guatemala
- Universidad del Valle–Guatemala
- U.S. and U.K.-based universities
Regional Seismic Monitoring Network
In 2022, we provided 21 Raspberry Shake 3C seismometers to INSIVUMEH to enhance earthquake monitoring along the Motagua-Polochic fault system—a major tectonic boundary where a 7.4 magnitude earthquake in 1976 claimed over 23,000 lives.
Earthquake Early Warning System (EEWS)
INSIVUMEH, led by Robin Yani and Diego Castro, developed a cell phone-based EEWS. Our Raspberry Shake sensors are fully integrated into this system.
Download the App
INSIVUMEH Alerta de Terremotos on app stores to learn more.
Volcán Pacaya Monitoring
We also support monitoring of Volcán Pacaya, an active volcano near Guatemala City. With GWB funding, we installed a broadband seismometer and infrasound sensor on the volcano’s southeast flank in collaboration with volcanologist Amílcar Roca.
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Student Research & Internships
We support local students through a stipend-funded internship program at INSIVUMEH. Current research projects include:
David Barral
Seismic network implementation near the Motagua-Polochic fault
Elena Rodríguez
Seismic analysis of Volcán Pacaya
Dulce Calán
Earthquake magnitude estimation using national seismic data
Access our Data
- View real-time seismic data from our Raspberry Shake sensors
- Navigate to Guatemala, click on a sensor, and explore or download waveform data.
Community Outreach
We fund and lead educational workshops to help communities understand geohazards and how to reduce risk. Promoting awareness of the Earthquake Early Warning System (EEWS) is a key part of our outreach.
Program Leadership
Steve Roche
Principal Investigator (USA)
Bert Echeverria
Field Director (Guatemala)
Get Involved
Contact
Steve Roche
slroche314@gmail.com
219-924-2446
