The New Madrid Seismic Zone is a region in the Central United States that is known for its seismic activity. It extends from northeastern Arkansas to southern Illinois and includes parts of Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Mississippi. The region has experienced a number of significant earthquakes throughout history, including one of the largest earthquakes in U.S. history.
What Causes Earthquakes in the New Madrid Seismic Zone?
The New Madrid Seismic Zone is located in the interior of the North American Plate, far away from any tectonic plate boundaries. This makes it an intraplate earthquake zone, where earthquakes occur within the plate due to stresses caused by geologic processes such as plate movement and mantle convection.
How Often Do Earthquakes Occur in the New Madrid Seismic Zone?
Earthquakes in the New Madrid Seismic Zone are relatively rare compared to more active regions like California. However, when earthquakes do occur in this region, they can be very powerful due to the geology of the area.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), there have been three major earthquakes with magnitudes greater than 7.0 that have occurred in the New Madrid Seismic Zone since 1811-1812. These earthquakes were felt over a large area of North America and caused significant damage.
In addition to these major earthquakes, there have been numerous smaller earthquakes that occur on a regular basis in this region. The USGS estimates that there is a 25-40% chance of a magnitude 6 or greater earthquake occurring in this region within the next 50 years.
The Importance of Preparedness
Given the potential for significant seismic activity in this region, it is important for residents and businesses located within or near the New Madrid Seismic Zone to be prepared for earthquakes. This includes having an emergency plan in place, securing heavy furniture and appliances, and having a supply of food, water, and other necessary items.
In addition, it is important for buildings and infrastructure in this region to be designed and constructed to withstand seismic activity. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides guidelines for earthquake-resistant building design that can help mitigate the damage caused by earthquakes.
Conclusion
While earthquakes in the New Madrid Seismic Zone are relatively rare compared to other regions, they have the potential to be very powerful and cause significant damage. It is important for residents and businesses in this region to be prepared for earthquakes and for buildings and infrastructure to be designed with seismic activity in mind. By taking these steps, we can minimize the impact of earthquakes in this region.