The New Madrid Fault is a seismic zone in the central United States that runs from Illinois to Arkansas. It is infamous for the series of earthquakes that occurred in 1811 and 1812, which are considered to be some of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded in North America. Recently, there has been concern that the New Madrid Fault may be becoming more active.
Background Information
The New Madrid Fault is located in a region that is not typically associated with seismic activity. However, it is still capable of producing powerful earthquakes due to its location near several tectonic plates. The fault is named after the town of New Madrid, Missouri, which was one of the areas most affected by the earthquakes in 1811 and 1812.
Recent Earthquakes
In recent years, there have been several small earthquakes in the region around the New Madrid Fault. While these earthquakes have not caused significant damage or injuries, they are cause for concern among seismologists.
February 2020 Earthquake
One notable earthquake occurred on February 10, 2020, with a magnitude of 3.7. The earthquake was felt by residents in several states including Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Kentucky. While no damage was reported as a result of this earthquake, it did serve as a reminder that the New Madrid Fault remains active.
November 2018 Earthquake
Another earthquake occurred on November 29th, 2018 with a magnitude of 2. While this earthquake was relatively small and did not cause any significant damage or injuries, it was still concerning to residents living near the fault line.
Expert Opinions
Seismologists are divided on whether or not the New Madrid Fault is becoming more active. Some experts believe that recent earthquake activity could be a sign that the fault is beginning to awaken, while others argue that the earthquakes are simply part of the normal seismic activity in the region.
Dr. Susan Hough
Dr. Susan Hough, a seismologist with the United States Geological Survey, believes that the recent earthquake activity is nothing to be concerned about. She argues that while there have been some small earthquakes in the region, they are not unusual and do not necessarily indicate that the New Madrid Fault is becoming more active. Haydar Al-Shukri
On the other hand, Dr. Haydar Al-Shukri, a geologist at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, believes that the recent earthquake activity could be a sign of things to come. He argues that there is evidence to suggest that seismic activity in the region has been increasing over time and that this could eventually lead to larger earthquakes.
Conclusion
At this point, it is difficult to say whether or not the New Madrid Fault is becoming more active. While there have been some small earthquakes in the region, it is unclear whether these earthquakes are part of normal seismic activity or if they are a sign of something more serious. Seismologists will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as new information becomes available.