The New Madrid Fault Line is a seismic zone that spans across several states in the United States. The fault line was responsible for some of the most powerful earthquakes in North America, including the great earthquakes of 1811-1812. It is named after the town of New Madrid, Missouri, which was one of the areas affected by the earthquakes.
What States are in the New Madrid Fault Line?
The New Madrid Fault Line runs through several states in the Midwest and Southeastern United States. These states include:
- Missouri: The fault line extends across southeastern Missouri and affects several cities such as St. Louis, Cape Girardeau, and Memphis.
- Arkansas: The northeastern part of Arkansas lies within the New Madrid Seismic Zone.
- Tennessee: The western part of Tennessee falls under the seismic zone.
- Kentucky: The western part of Kentucky is also included within this seismic zone.
- Illinois: The southern tip of Illinois falls under this seismic zone.
The Impact of Earthquakes on these States
The New Madrid Fault Line has a significant impact on the states it runs through. Earthquakes caused by this fault line can cause extensive damage to buildings, roads, and other infrastructure. They can also lead to injuries and fatalities.
In 1811-1812, a series of powerful earthquakes struck these states with magnitudes ranging from 7.0 to 8.0 on the Richter scale. These earthquakes caused significant damage to buildings and structures in several cities along the Mississippi River.
Since then, there have been smaller earthquakes that have occurred in this region as well. While they may not have caused as much damage as the earthquakes in 1811-1812, they are still a cause for concern.
Preparing for Earthquakes
Given the history of earthquakes in this region, it is essential to be prepared for earthquakes. In addition to having an earthquake kit with supplies, it is important to know what to do during an earthquake. This includes:
- Dropping: Drop down onto your hands and knees.
- Covering: Cover your head and neck with your arms.
- Holding On: Hold on tight until the shaking stops.
Conclusion
The New Madrid Fault Line runs through several states in the United States and has a history of causing powerful earthquakes. It is crucial to be prepared for earthquakes by knowing what to do during them and having an earthquake kit with supplies. While there is no way to predict when an earthquake will occur, being prepared can help minimize the damage caused by it.