How Overdue Is the New Madrid Fault?

By Robert Palmer

The New Madrid Fault is a geological feature located in the central United States that has garnered a lot of attention in recent years. This fault was responsible for some of the largest earthquakes ever recorded in North America, including one that occurred in 1811-1812 and was felt as far away as Boston and New Orleans. Despite being relatively quiet for the past century, there is growing concern among experts that the New Madrid Fault may be overdue for another major earthquake.

What is the New Madrid Fault?

The New Madrid Fault is a complex system of faults that runs through parts of Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, and Mississippi. It was named after the town of New Madrid, Missouri, which was heavily damaged by earthquakes in 1811-1812.

The fault system is located in an area known as the Mississippi Embayment, which is a broad trough filled with sediments deposited by ancient rivers. The faults are believed to have formed around 500 million years ago when this area was undergoing intense tectonic activity.

Why is there concern about the New Madrid Fault?

Although the New Madrid Fault has been relatively quiet for more than a century, experts believe that it could be capable of producing another major earthquake at any time. There are several reasons for this concern:

  • The 1811-1812 earthquakes were some of the largest ever recorded in North America.
  • The region surrounding the fault is heavily populated and contains many critical infrastructure systems.
  • Recent studies have shown that stress levels on the fault are increasing.

Stress levels on the fault

Scientists use a variety of methods to monitor stress levels on faults like the New Madrid. One technique involves measuring small changes in elevation using GPS sensors. Another involves studying how seismic waves travel through the Earth’s crust.

Recent studies using these methods have shown that stress levels on the New Madrid Fault are increasing. This means that the fault is slowly accumulating energy that could be released in a future earthquake.

What would happen if the New Madrid Fault ruptured again?

If the New Madrid Fault were to rupture again, it could have devastating consequences for the region surrounding it. Depending on the size and location of the earthquake, it could cause:

  • Widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure
  • Loss of life
  • Flooding from dam failures or landslides
  • Disruptions to transportation and communication networks

Preparing for an earthquake

While there is no way to predict exactly when or where an earthquake will occur, there are steps that individuals and communities can take to prepare for one. These include:

  • Developing an emergency plan and kit
  • Bolting furniture and appliances to walls
  • Securing water heaters and gas appliances
  • Storing heavy objects on lower shelves or in cabinets with latches
  • Holding regular earthquake drills at home, school, and work

The Bottom Line

The New Madrid Fault is a complex system of faults located in the central United States. Although it has been relatively quiet for more than a century, experts believe that it could be capable of producing another major earthquake at any time. While there is no way to predict exactly when or where an earthquake will occur, individuals and communities can take steps to prepare for one.