The New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ) is a region of the central United States that is known for its seismic activity. The region has been the site of some of the most powerful earthquakes in North American history, including three strong quakes that occurred in 1811 and 1812. But what type of fault is responsible for this seismic activity?
The NMSZ Fault System
The NMSZ is located in the central United States and spans parts of Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Mississippi. The region is characterized by a series of faults that run parallel to one another. These faults are known as strike-slip faults.
Strike-slip faults occur when two blocks of rock slide past each other horizontally. This type of faulting results in little to no vertical movement along the fault line. In contrast, thrust faults, which are responsible for many earthquakes along subduction zones, involve one block of rock being pushed up and over another block.
The Cause of NMSZ Seismic Activity
While the NMSZ is primarily a strike-slip fault system, there is evidence to suggest that thrust faulting may also play a role in the region’s seismic activity. Some researchers believe that small-scale thrust faults may exist within the larger strike-slip fault system.
Additionally, it has been suggested that stress buildup from the movement along the strike-slip faults could be causing nearby thrust faults to become active. This would result in earthquakes with both horizontal and vertical movement.
Conclusion
In summary, the New Madrid Seismic Zone is primarily a strike-slip fault system with evidence suggesting that small-scale thrust faulting may also occur within the region. While this type of faulting does not typically result in large vertical movements during an earthquake, it can still cause significant damage due to the horizontal movement of the ground. It is important for residents of the central United States to be aware of the seismic activity in their region and to take proper precautions in the event of an earthquake.
- Strike-slip faults run parallel to one another
- Thrust faults involve one block of rock being pushed up and over another
- The NMSZ is primarily a strike-slip fault system with evidence suggesting thrust faulting may also occur
- Horizontal movement during earthquakes can still cause significant damage
- Residents should be aware of seismic activity and take proper precautions
Sources:
“New Madrid Seismic Zone – Earthquake Basics.” USGS, United States Geological Survey, https://www.usgs.gov/natural-hazards/earthquake-hazards/science/new-madrid-seismic-zone-earthquake-basics?qt-science_center_objects=0#qt-science_center_objects.
“New Madrid Seismic Zone.” Encyclopedia Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/place/New-Madrid-Seismic-Zone.
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