If the New Madrid Fault line, located in the central United States, were to experience a major earthquake, it could result in significant damage to infrastructure and potentially cause loss of life.
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If the New Madrid Fault line were to experience a major earthquake, it could result in significant damage to infrastructure and potentially cause loss of life. The New Madrid Seismic Zone is a 150-mile-long series of faults running through the central United States. The last time a major earthquake occurred in the region was in 1811-1812, when a series of four earthquakes with magnitudes estimated to be between 7.2 and 8.2 occurred.
According to a report from the Mid-America Earthquake Center, if an earthquake of similar magnitude were to occur today, “the eastern United States could potentially sustain tens of billions of dollars in direct economic losses, as well as additional indirect economic losses due to business interruption and productivity losses.” Additionally, the report states that the central United States lacks the earthquake-resistant building codes that are in place in other parts of the world.
In a statement from the United States Geological Survey, they warn that, “the potential for a large earthquake in the New Madrid seismic zone remains a concern, particularly given the zone’s proximity to several major population centers and vital infrastructure.The USGS also note that, “a major earthquake striking a metropolitan region would have an even greater impact on society.”
The New Madrid Fault line is a topic of concern amongst experts as well. According to David Maxwell, director of the Arkansas Earthquake Center, “the New Madrid Seismic Zone is considered one of the most active earthquake areas in North America east of the Rocky Mountains.” Maxwell adds that “while most of our attention as a society has been placed on the Pacific Northwest, where the famous Cascadia Subduction Zone could produce the largest earthquakes our country has seen, the risk of a major earthquake is very real and very serious in the central United States.”
Should there be a major earthquake along the New Madrid Fault line, it is important that people take necessary precautions to minimize the risk of injury or death. This could include creating an emergency supply kit, making sure that furniture and appliances are properly secured, and preparing a family communication and emergency plan.
Table: Potential Impacts of a Major Earthquake along the New Madrid Fault Line
| Area of Impact | Potential Damage |
|---|---|
| Infrastructure | Significant damage to bridges, roads, pipelines, and other critical infrastructure |
| Economy | Direct economic losses potentially totaling tens of billions of dollars, as well as additional indirect economic losses due to business interruption and productivity losses |
| Population Centers | Potential loss of life and injuries, as well as damage to homes and buildings |
| Environment | Potential for damage to natural habitats, water resources, and ecosystems |
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Researchers at the University of Missouri are carrying out a $300,000 study to develop evacuation plans for nearly 300,000 residents living near the New Madrid Fault Line amid concerns of a possible major earthquake. The scarcity of highways in the area and the possibility of liquefaction are among the focus areas of the study. The researchers aim to develop mapping apps on phones to guide people to the safest evacuation routes in the event of a catastrophic earthquake.
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Significant damage will likely extend north up the Mississippi River valley to St. Louis, up the Ohio and Wabash river valleys to near Owensboro, Kentucky and Indianapolis, Indiana and down the Mississippi River valley to near Greenville, Mississippi.
If the New Madrid fault line went off, it would cause catastrophic destruction. The fault line is located in the Midwest region of the United States and is responsible for a higher risk of damaging earthquakes. It has produced magnitude 8 to 8.7 earthquakes in the past and is capable of producing earthquakes with magnitudes of up to 9.0. Earthquakes that occur in the New Madrid Seismic Zone potentially threaten parts of seven American states: Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Mississippi.
Thousands of bridges would collapse and railways would be destroyed, paralyzing travel across southeast Missouri.Earthquakes that occur in the New Madrid Seismic Zone potentially threaten parts of seven American states: Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Mississippi.Paleoseismic evidence collected in recent decades indicates that strong “earthquake triplets” similar in magnitude to the 1811-12…
If the New Madrid fault line went off, it would cause catastrophic destruction. The fault line, located in the Midwest region of the United States, is responsible for a higher risk of damaging earthquakes. It has produced magnitude 8 to 8. 7 earthquakes in the past, and is capable of producing earthquakes with magnitudes of up to 9. 0.
Thousands of bridges would collapse and railways would be destroyed, paralyzing travel across southeast Missouri.Earthquakes that occur in the New Madrid Seismic Zone potentially threaten parts of seven American states: Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Mississippi.Paleoseismic evidence collected in recent decades indicates that strong “earthquake triplets” similar in magnitude to the 1811-12 temblors have occurred approximately every 500 years along the New Madrid…
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About 1,800 people could die in a hypothetical 7.8 earthquake on the San Andreas fault — that’s according to a scenario published by the USGS called the ShakeOut. More than 900 people could die in fires, more than 600 in building damage or collapse, and more than 150 in transportation accidents.