The biggest earthquakes on Earth happen at subduction zones, where one tectonic plate slowly slides beneath another. Along the boundary between the plates, called the megathrust, some areas get stuck for decades or even centuries. These locked regions store energy that can be released suddenly during a major earthquake. Scientists use precise measurements of ground movement to estimate where the fault is locked. These estimates, known as coupling models, help identify areas that may be at risk of future earthquakes and are an important tool for understanding earthquake hazards.

However, these models are often created using different methods and assumptions, making them hard to compare. They are also scattered across many scientific papers and come in a variety of formats, which makes access and use challenging.

To solve this, we created the Coupling Cloud, an openly accessible online platform that brings together more than twenty five published coupling models from subduction zones around the world. The Coupling Cloud makes it easier for scientists and the public to explore, compare, and use these models, helping to improve research and understanding of earthquake risks globally.