The recent tragedy in Haiti has the world tuned in with their eyes and ears open, including those here in the Midwest. What most in mid-America do not realize, or often forget, is we live down the road from one of the most dangerous fault lines on earth.
The New Madrid fault line system runs approximately between Cairo, Ill and northern Arkansas. It spreads into a large piece of southeastern Missouri and also parts of Kentucky and Tennessee.
The fault line remains relatively calm. Although approximately 200 episodes occur each year, not many are taken note by the general public as most are 1.0 on the Richter scale.
So why the big deal?
From December 1811 to February 1812, the New Madrid fault line showed off in a series of massive earthquakes, ranging in magnitudes from 7.2-8.0. The earthquake was so pronounced, records show damage was caused miles away from its origins.
“These earthquakes were unique in the history of earthquakes” Michael Fix, associate teaching professor of geology, said. “No other earthquakes in recorded history have ever been felt over such an enormous area.
They were felt as far west as Denver, as far south as Florida, and as far north as Montreal Canada—1,200 miles away. This is not normal for earthquakes this magnitude. There’s something about the Midwest that it acts like the sounding board in a piano. It conducts seismic waves over great distance very efficiently.”
As an idea, a 3.0 earthquake or less is generally not felt. If it is, it is generally passed off as a passing truck. A 4.0 is felt by nearly everyone, with objects being moved, although there is no significant damage in most cases. Beginning at 6.0 on the scale is when highly significant damage begins to occur, especially in buildings and structures not properly constructed.
The great New Madrid earthquakes of the early 19th century did not cause an enormous amount of damage.
However, back in that time period there were fewer people populating the Midwest area. If the same earthquake that occurred then happened in today’s world, the results would be catastrophic.
“There weren’t many people living there in that area in 1811, 1812,” Fix said. “If those same earthquakes were to happen today, there would be just devastation in places like Memphis, which is right there next to the fault zone.
Other cities that are fairly close by that are much smaller would be Cairo, Ill; Sikeston, Poplar Bluff and so forth.” The New Madrid fault system last let a tremor release in 1895. According to Fix and various other geologists, the Midwest is long overdue for another one.
The American Red Cross, who have assisted with disasters—such as the earthquake in Haiti—for years, gives advice on how to stay safe when an earthquake hits.
“The best thing to do is duck, cover and hold on,” Elena Sabin, community disaster education specialist, said. “Get under a table or desk, hold on to it so you stay under it, and then cover your head with your other hand to keep your head a little bit more protected”
After an earthquake occurs, campus safety at the University of Missouri-St. Louis advises to find the nearest safe exits, bringing all important belongings. Do not remain around buildings or use elevators. Also, report any damage, injuries or individuals trapped in buildings to campus police.
