The New Madrid Fault is a geological formation that extends through several states in the United States. It is a seismic zone that has been responsible for some of the most significant earthquakes in North American history. The fault system begins in Marked Tree, Arkansas, and ends near Cairo, Illinois.
What is the New Madrid Fault?
The New Madrid Fault is a series of faults that run underneath the Mississippi River Valley. It was named after the town of New Madrid, Missouri, where a series of powerful earthquakes occurred in 1811 and 1812. These earthquakes were some of the most significant to ever occur in North America and are estimated to have been between magnitude 7.5 and 8.
Where Does it Start?
The New Madrid Fault begins near Marked Tree, Arkansas. This small town is located in Poinsett County, which is about halfway between Memphis, Tennessee, and Little Rock, Arkansas. From there, the fault runs northeast through Missouri before turning north towards Illinois.
Missouri
In Missouri, the New Madrid Fault runs through several counties including Dunklin, Stoddard, New Madrid (the town), Mississippi, Scott, and Cape Girardeau. The fault line passes within just a few miles of several major cities including Cape Girardeau and Sikeston.
Kentucky
After passing through Missouri’s Bootheel region and crossing into Kentucky briefly just south of Wickliffe at the Mississippi River’s confluence with the Ohio River before returning to Missouri south of Cairo.
Tennessee
In Tennessee, the fault runs through Lake County before crossing into Kentucky again near Fulton.
Illinois
Finally, the fault ends near Cairo in southern Illinois. This small town sits at the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers and is the southernmost point of the New Madrid seismic zone.
Conclusion
The New Madrid Fault is a significant geological formation that runs through several states in the Midwest. It begins near Marked Tree, Arkansas, and ends near Cairo, Illinois. The fault has been responsible for some of the most significant earthquakes in North American history, and scientists continue to study it to better understand its potential for future seismic activity.
8 Related Question Answers Found
The New Madrid Fault is a seismic zone that stretches across several states in the United States. It is named after the town of New Madrid, located in Missouri. This fault zone is known for its potential to cause earthquakes of significant magnitude, with the most powerful earthquake in U.S.
Where Does the New Madrid Fault Originate? The New Madrid Fault is one of the most well-known seismic zones in the United States. Located in the central part of the country, it spans across several states including Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Kentucky.
The New Madrid Fault Line is a seismic zone that stretches from the northern part of Arkansas to the southern part of Illinois. It is located in the central United States, and it is known for having some of the most powerful earthquakes in American history. The fault line is named after the town of New Madrid, Missouri, where it was first identified in 1811.
The New Madrid Fault is a geological formation located in the central United States. It is named after the town of New Madrid, Missouri, where it was first identified in the early 1800s. This fault runs for about 150 miles through five states: Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, and Tennessee.
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?
The New Madrid Fault Line, also known as the New Madrid Seismic Zone, is located in the central United States. It stretches from northeastern Arkansas to southern Illinois and crosses through several states including Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Mississippi. What is a Fault Line?
The New Madrid Fault Zone is a geological formation located in the central United States. It is a seismic zone that is responsible for several large earthquakes in the region. The fault zone is named after the town of New Madrid, Missouri, which was at the epicenter of some of the most powerful earthquakes to occur in North America.
The New Madrid Fault line is one of the most active seismic zones in the United States. It is located in the central part of the country, stretching from northeastern Arkansas to southern Illinois. The fault line is named after the town of New Madrid, Missouri, where a series of earthquakes occurred in 1811 and 1812, making it one of the largest earthquakes in American history.
