New madrid fault earthquake. Expected shaking intensity of a magnitude 75 earthquake on the new madrid central fault. Since 1812 frequent smaller earthquakes have been recorded in the area. Us geological survey human and economic risks.
They cant be predicted even very big ones. While not as well known for earthquakes as california or alaska the new madrid seismic zone nmsz located in southeastern missouri northeastern arkansas western tennessee western kentucky and southern illinois is the most active seismic area in the united states east of the rocky mountains. 25 in lilbourn missouri united states.
Uncertainty is the maddening aspect of earthquakes. Lying in the central area of the north american plate the seismic zone is about 45 miles 70 km wide and about 125 miles 200 km long. Three earthquakes had a magnitude of 70 or greater.
A series of earthquakes hit the new madrid seismic zone of southeastern missouri northeastern arkansas and adjacent parts of tennessee and kentucky in december 1811 to february 1812. Greens to yellows indicate moderate to strong shaking. A series of earthquakes hit the new madrid seismic zone of southeastern missouri northeastern arkansas and adjacent parts of tennessee and kentucky in december 1811 to february 1812.
The new madrid fault system was responsible for the 181112 new madrid earthquakes and has the potential to produce large earthquakes in the future. Bicentennial of the 1811 1812 new madrid earthquake sequence december 2011 2012. New madrid fault and earthquake prone region considered at high risk today the 181112 new madrid earthquakes m ae d r d were a series of intense intraplate earthquakes beginning with an initial earthquake of moment magnitude 7282 on december 16 1811 followed by a moment magnitude 74 aftershock on the same day.
33 in lilbourn missouri united states. Three earthquakes had a magnitude of 70 or greater. 25 in lilbourn missouri united states.
Oranges to reds indicate severe to extreme shaking and moderate to heavy damage. We know they happen frequently along the earths tectonic plates. Back in 1811 and 1812 a series of absolutely devastating earthquakes along the new madrid fault zone opened very deep fissures in the ground caused the mississippi river to run backwards in some places and were reportedly felt as far away as washington dc.
The new madrid fault is expected to generate a large scale earthquake within the next 50 years. The new madrid seismic zone sometimes called the new madrid fault line is a major seismic zone and a prolific source of intraplate earthquakes in the southern and midwestern united states stretching to the southwest from new madrid missouri.