The 1811 New Madrid earthquake is one of the most significant earthquakes to have occurred in the United States. This earthquake was felt across the country and caused widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure.
One of the questions that people often ask about this earthquake is how long did it last? In this article, we will explore this question in depth.
What was the 1811 New Madrid Earthquake?
The 1811 New Madrid earthquake was a series of earthquakes that occurred between December 16, 1811, and February 7, 1812. The first earthquake occurred on December 16, with a magnitude estimated between 7.5 and 8.0 on the Richter scale. Over the next several months, there were several more significant earthquakes in the region.
How Long Did the Earthquake Last?
The duration of the earthquake is difficult to measure accurately because it occurred before modern seismographs were invented. However, estimates suggest that each of the three main earthquakes lasted for several minutes.
The First Earthquake
The first earthquake occurred on December 16, 1811, at around 2:15 am local time. The shaking was so intense that it woke up people as far away as Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Norfolk, Virginia. The duration of this earthquake is estimated to have been between one and three minutes.
The Second Earthquake
The second significant earthquake occurred on January 23, 1812. This earthquake was slightly less powerful than the first one but still caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure in the region. The duration of this earthquake is estimated to have been around two minutes.
The Third Earthquake
The third major earthquake occurred on February 7, 1812. This earthquake was also less powerful than the first one but still caused significant damage in the region. The duration of this earthquake is estimated to have been between three and five minutes.
Aftermath of the Earthquake
The New Madrid earthquake caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure in the region. The shaking was so intense that it caused the Mississippi River to flow backward for a brief period. The earthquake also created several new lakes in the region.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 1811 New Madrid earthquake was a series of earthquakes that occurred between December 16, 1811, and February 7, 1812. Each of the three main earthquakes lasted for several minutes, with the first one lasting between one and three minutes, the second one lasting around two minutes, and the third one lasting between three and five minutes. Although this earthquake occurred over two hundred years ago, it remains a significant event in United States history and serves as a reminder of the power of nature.