What 5 States Does the New Madrid Fault Line Run Through?

By Robert Palmer

The New Madrid Fault Line is a geological fault line located in the United States of America. It runs through several states, causing occasional earthquakes that can be felt across the country. If you are curious about which states this fault line runs through, you have come to the right place!

What is the New Madrid Fault Line?

The New Madrid Fault Line is a geological fault line located in the central and eastern parts of the United States. It was named after the town of New Madrid, Missouri, where it was first recognized. The fault line is approximately 150 miles long and stretches from Cairo, Illinois to Marked Tree, Arkansas.

Which 5 States Does the New Madrid Fault Line Run Through?

The New Madrid Fault Line runs through five states: Illinois, Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Arkansas. These states are known as the “New Madrid Seismic Zone.”

Illinois

In Illinois, the New Madrid Fault Line runs through the southern part of the state. The area around Cairo is particularly vulnerable to earthquakes.

Missouri

Missouri is home to some of the most active seismic zones in the country due to its location along the Mississippi River Valley. The New Madrid Fault Line runs through southeastern Missouri.

Tennessee

In Tennessee, the fault line runs through western Tennessee and near Memphis. The area around Memphis has experienced several significant earthquakes in history.

Kentucky

Kentucky’s western border lies along with the Mississippi River Valley and is prone to earthquakes caused by faults like New Madrid and Wabash Valley.

Arkansas

The New Madrid Seismic Zone extends into northeastern Arkansas where it crosses with other faults such as Crowley’s Ridge.

  • Conclusion:

In conclusion, the New Madrid Fault Line is an important geological feature in the central and eastern parts of the United States. It runs through five states: Illinois, Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Arkansas.

These states are known as the “New Madrid Seismic Zone” and are at risk for earthquakes caused by the fault line. It is essential to be prepared for natural disasters like earthquakes by having an emergency plan in place.