When Was the Last Earthquake on the New Madrid Fault Line?

By Robert Palmer

The New Madrid Fault Line, located in the central United States, is one of the most active earthquake zones in North America. It spans from northeastern Arkansas to southern Illinois and is responsible for some of the most significant earthquakes in U.S. history. The last major earthquake on this fault line occurred over 200 years ago, but there have been smaller tremors since then.

What Is the New Madrid Fault Line?

The New Madrid Fault Line is a seismic zone that lies beneath parts of Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Illinois. It was named after the town of New Madrid, Missouri, where a series of strong earthquakes occurred in 1811-1812. These quakes were some of the most powerful ever recorded in the continental United States.

When Was the Last Earthquake on the Fault Line?

The last major earthquake on the New Madrid Fault Line occurred on February 7th, 1812. The magnitude of this quake is estimated to have been between 7.5 and 8.0 on the Richter scale. It caused widespread damage throughout the region and was felt as far away as Boston and Washington D.C.

Since then, there have been numerous smaller earthquakes along the fault line. Most recently, a magnitude 3.6 earthquake struck near Caruthersville, Missouri on October 31st, 2020.

What Are Experts Saying?

Experts believe that there is a high likelihood of another major earthquake occurring along this fault line in the future. In fact, some predict that it could happen within our lifetimes.

According to a report by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 or higher could cause catastrophic damage across eight states: Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee.

The Importance of Being Prepared

While there is no way to predict exactly when the next major earthquake on the New Madrid Fault Line will occur, it’s important to be prepared. This means having an emergency plan in place and stocking up on essential supplies like food, water, and first aid kits.

It’s also important to know what to do during an earthquake. If you’re indoors, stay there and take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture. If you’re outside, move away from buildings and other structures.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the last major earthquake on the New Madrid Fault Line occurred in 1812. While there have been smaller tremors since then, experts believe that another major earthquake is likely to occur in the future. It’s important to be prepared for this possibility by having an emergency plan in place and knowing what to do during an earthquake.