How Far Was the New Madrid Earthquake Felt?

By Michael Ferguson

On December 16, 1811, the largest earthquake ever recorded in the central United States occurred near New Madrid, Missouri. The earthquake was so strong that it was felt as far away as Washington D.C., Boston, and even Canada. It caused extensive damage to buildings and homes in the region and altered the landscape of the Mississippi River.

What Caused the New Madrid Earthquake?

The New Madrid earthquake was caused by a series of large faults deep beneath the earth’s surface. These faults created a seismic zone that extends from Marked Tree, Arkansas to Cairo, Illinois. This area is known as the New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ) and is still active today.

How Strong Was the New Madrid Earthquake?

The New Madrid earthquake had a magnitude of 7.5 to 7.9 on the Richter Scale. To put this into perspective, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7 or higher is considered a major earthquake and can cause widespread damage.

Where Was the New Madrid Earthquake Felt?

The New Madrid earthquake was felt across a wide area of North America. It was felt as far away as Washington D. However, it was most strongly felt in Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Illinois, and Indiana.

In Missouri:

  • The city of St. Louis experienced severe shaking that damaged buildings and homes.
  • The towns of New Madrid and Caruthersville were completely destroyed.

In Kentucky:

  • The city of Louisville experienced moderate shaking.
  • The town of Lexington experienced light shaking.

In Tennessee:

  • The city of Memphis experienced moderate shaking.
  • The town of Nashville experienced light shaking.

In Arkansas:

  • The towns of Little Rock and Jonesboro experienced light shaking.

In Mississippi:

  • The town of Natchez experienced light shaking.

In Illinois:

  • The town of Kaskaskia was completely destroyed.
  • The city of Chicago experienced light shaking.

Conclusion

The New Madrid earthquake was one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded in the central United States. It was felt across a wide area and caused extensive damage to buildings and homes. Today, the New Madrid Seismic Zone is still active, and scientists continue to study it in order to better understand earthquakes and how to mitigate their effects.

6 Related Question Answers Found

How Far Would a New Madrid Earthquake Be Felt?

The New Madrid Fault, located in the central United States, is a seismically active area that has experienced several major earthquakes in the past. The most notable of these events occurred in 1811-1812, when a series of powerful earthquakes shook the region. The question on many people’s minds is – How far would a new earthquake along this fault be felt?

How Deep Is the New Madrid Fault?

The New Madrid Fault is a seismic zone that runs through the central United States. It is a source of concern for many people because of its potential to cause significant earthquakes. One question that often comes up is, how deep is the New Madrid Fault?

How Big Was the New Madrid Fault Earthquake?

The New Madrid Fault is a geological fault line that runs through the central United States. It has been the source of several major earthquakes, including one of the largest in American history. The New Madrid earthquake of 1811-1812 was so powerful that it could be felt as far away as Boston and was said to have rung church bells in Philadelphia.

How Much Damage Did the New Madrid Earthquake Cause?

The New Madrid earthquake of 1811-1812 was one of the most significant earthquakes in the history of the United States. It is named after the town of New Madrid, Missouri, which was at the center of a series of earthquakes that occurred over several months. The impact of the New Madrid earthquake was so profound that it still resonates in our understanding of earthquakes and seismic activity today.

What Were the Magnitudes of the New Madrid Earthquakes?

The New Madrid earthquakes were a series of seismic events that occurred in the central United States between December 1811 and February 1812. These earthquakes are considered some of the most powerful in recorded history, with their magnitudes estimated to be among the highest ever recorded in North America. The First and Largest Earthquake The first major earthquake struck near New Madrid, Missouri, on December 16, 1811.

How Long Is the New Madrid Fault?

The New Madrid Fault is a fault that runs through several states in the United States, including Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Kentucky. It is named after the town of New Madrid, Missouri, which was near the epicenter of a series of powerful earthquakes that struck the region in 1811 and 1812. What is the New Madrid Fault?

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