The New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ) is a region in the central United States that has experienced significant earthquake activity in the past. The NMSZ spans over 150 miles in length and stretches across parts of seven states including Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Indiana.
What is the New Madrid Seismic Zone?
The NMSZ is named after the town of New Madrid, Missouri where a series of powerful earthquakes occurred in 1811-1812. These earthquakes are some of the largest ever recorded east of the Rocky Mountains with magnitudes estimated to be between 7.5 and 8.0 on the Richter scale.
How long is the NMSZ?
As mentioned earlier, the NMSZ spans over 150 miles from Cairo, Illinois to Marked Tree, Arkansas. The zone is divided into three segments – northern, central, and southern – based on differences in earthquake activity.
What causes earthquakes in the NMSZ?
The NMSZ sits on an ancient geological fault line that formed millions of years ago when tectonic plates shifted and collided. Today, this fault line is known as the Reelfoot Rift and it runs beneath several states including Arkansas and Missouri.
Why are earthquakes in the NMSZ a concern?
Although earthquakes are not as frequent in this region as they are in other parts of the world like California or Japan, they can still cause significant damage due to factors such as soil liquefaction which can result in buildings collapsing or roads becoming impassable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the New Madrid Seismic Zone spans over 150 miles across seven states and has a history of powerful earthquakes that have caused significant damage in the past. While earthquake activity may not be as frequent in this region as in other parts of the world, it is still important for residents and officials to be prepared for potential seismic events.
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