Arkansas is a state located in the southern region of the United States. It is known for its diverse landscape, ranging from mountainous regions to fertile plains.
However, it is also known for being located in an area that is prone to earthquakes. The question that often arises is whether Arkansas is located in the New Madrid Fault Zone.
The New Madrid Fault Zone is a seismic zone that stretches across several states in the central United States, including parts of Arkansas. The zone was named after the town of New Madrid, Missouri, which was one of the areas hardest hit by a series of devastating earthquakes in 1811 and 1812.
What Is the New Madrid Fault Zone?
The New Madrid Fault Zone is a region where several active faults intersect and overlap. The fault zone stretches from Marked Tree, Arkansas to Cairo, Illinois and includes parts of Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Mississippi. It is one of the most seismically active regions east of the Rocky Mountains.
The fault zone gets its name from the town of New Madrid in Missouri because it was there that one of the most powerful earthquakes in U.S history occurred. During this earthquake sequence between December 16th – February 7th (1811-12), there were three major quakes with magnitudes greater than 7 on Richter scale and hundreds of aftershocks.
Is Arkansas Located in the New Madrid Fault Zone?
Yes, Arkansas is located within the New Madrid Fault Zone. In fact, several major faults run through Arkansas, including the Cottonwood Grove-New Madrid Seismic Zone (CGNMSZ), which extends into Tennessee.
The Cottonwood Grove-New Madrid Seismic Zone (CGNMSZ)
The CGNMSZ runs through northeastern Arkansas and western Tennessee. This particular fault zone has been responsible for some notable earthquakes over time.
In 1843 an earthquake occurred with an estimated magnitude of 6.3 on the Richter scale, and in 1895 another earthquake with a magnitude of 6.7 occurred. Both earthquakes caused significant damage to the surrounding areas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Arkansas is located within the New Madrid Fault Zone, which is one of the most seismically active regions east of the Rocky Mountains. The Cottonwood Grove-New Madrid Seismic Zone (CGNMSZ) runs through northeastern Arkansas and has been responsible for several notable earthquakes over time.
It is important for residents of Arkansas to be prepared for earthquakes and have an emergency plan in place in case of a seismic event. While it’s not possible to predict when an earthquake will occur, being prepared can help reduce the impact and keep people safe during these events.