How Long Did the New Madrid Earthquakes Last?

By Anna Duncan

The New Madrid earthquakes were a series of seismic events that occurred in the central United States in the early 19th century. They were named after the town of New Madrid, Missouri, where the largest earthquake in the sequence occurred. These earthquakes are some of the most significant to have occurred in North America and continue to be studied by geologists and seismologists today.

What Were the New Madrid Earthquakes?

The New Madrid earthquakes were a series of four major earthquakes that occurred between December 1811 and February 1812. These earthquakes were some of the largest ever recorded in North America and had a significant impact on the surrounding regions.

The First Earthquake

The first earthquake occurred on December 16, 1811, with an estimated magnitude of 7.5-8.0 on the Richter scale. This earthquake was felt as far away as Canada and caused significant damage to buildings, roads, and other infrastructure in the surrounding areas.

The Second Earthquake

The second earthquake occurred just a few hours later on December 16, with an estimated magnitude of 7.3-7.5 on the Richter scale. This earthquake was also felt over a wide area and caused additional damage to already weakened structures.

The Third Earthquake

The third earthquake occurred on January 23, 1812, with an estimated magnitude of 7. This earthquake was felt as far away as Washington D.C., and caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure in Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Mississippi, and Louisiana.

The Fourth Earthquake

The fourth earthquake occurred on February 7, 1812, with an estimated magnitude of 7.

How Long Did the New Madrid Earthquakes Last?

The New Madrid earthquakes were not just one seismic event but rather a series of four major earthquakes that occurred over several months. The entire sequence of earthquakes lasted from December 1811 to February 1812, with the initial earthquake occurring on December 16, 1811, and the final earthquake occurring on February 7, 1812.

  • The First Earthquake: The first earthquake occurred on December 16, 1811, and lasted for several minutes.
  • The Second Earthquake: The second earthquake occurred just a few hours later on December 16 and also lasted for several minutes.
  • The Third Earthquake: The third earthquake occurred on January 23, 1812, and lasted for several minutes.
  • The Fourth Earthquake: The fourth earthquake occurred on February 7, 1812, and also lasted for several minutes.

Overall, the New Madrid earthquakes were a significant seismic event that had a lasting impact on the central United States. While they may have only lasted for a few minutes each, their effects were felt for years afterward as communities worked to rebuild and recover from the damage caused by these powerful earthquakes.