Founded in 1906, the society has members throughout the world representing seismologists and other geophysicists, geologists, engineers, insurers, and policy-makers in preparedness and safety.

The society was established by academic, government, and other scientific and engineering professionals in the months following the April 18th San Francisco earthquake, with the first meeting of the Board of Directors taking place on December 1, 1906.

Offering highly detailed, in-depth, and theoretical treatment of its subject matter by international authors, this journal appeals to an audience of specialists in the field of seismology.

The Seismic Record (TSR), established in 2021, publishes short peer-reviewed articles on the breadth of seismology and earthquake science.

The articles, each no more than six published pages in total, cover recent events and current topics of strong significance, warranting rapid peer review and publication.