The New Madrid Fault Line is a major seismic zone located in the central United States. It is responsible for some of the largest earthquakes in North America, including the massive tremors that occurred in 1811 and 1812.
But where exactly does this fault line run through? Let’s take a closer look.
What is the New Madrid Fault Line?
Before we dive into its location, let’s first understand what the New Madrid Fault Line is. This fault zone stretches approximately 150 miles (240 km) from Cairo, Illinois to Marked Tree, Arkansas. It was named after the town of New Madrid, Missouri, which was close to the epicenter of the 1811-1812 earthquakes.
Where Does it Run Through?
As mentioned before, the New Madrid Fault Line runs from Cairo, Illinois to Marked Tree, Arkansas. More specifically, it passes through parts of Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Illinois.
Missouri
In Missouri, the fault line runs through several counties including New Madrid County (where it gets its name), Mississippi County, Scott County, and Stoddard County.
Arkansas
The fault line enters Arkansas near Blytheville and passes through several counties including Mississippi County and Craighead County before exiting near Marked Tree.
Tennessee
In Tennessee, the fault line runs through several counties including Lake County and Obion County before crossing over into Kentucky.
Kentucky
In Kentucky, the fault line passes through parts of Fulton County and Hickman County before returning to Missouri.
Why is Knowing its Location Important?
Knowing where the New Madrid Fault Line runs through is important for several reasons. First and foremost is earthquake preparedness. The region affected by this seismic zone is home to millions of people, and understanding the potential risks associated with living in this area can help individuals and communities prepare for the possibility of a major earthquake.
Additionally, knowledge of the fault line’s location is important for infrastructure planning. Bridges, highways, and other critical infrastructure may need to be designed or retrofitted in a certain way to withstand earthquake activity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the New Madrid Fault Line is a major seismic zone that runs through several states in the central United States. Its location is important for earthquake preparedness and infrastructure planning. By understanding where this fault line runs through, we can better prepare ourselves for potential seismic activity in the future.