A swarm of earthquakes struck the 150-mile-long New Madrid Seismic Zone in the Midwest, which is feared to be overdue for a massive earthquake. The zone, which passes through Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Illinois, has not experienced a significant quake in over 200 years, with the last powerful seismic activity occurring between 1811 and 1812.
The recent earthquakes, which occurred from December 6 to 11, had a magnitude of 3.0 and 2.6, and were detected near Howardville. The area is particularly concerned as scientists warn that the fault line can generate a magnitude 7 or higher in the next 50 years, with a 40% chance of such an event occurring.
The New Madrid Seismic Zone is one of the most active seismic zones east of the Rocky Mountains, and earthquake swarms like the recent ones are not uncommon. However, experts warn that the zone is long overdue for a large earthquake, with the last one of magnitude 6 or higher occurring 129 years ago.
The impact of an earthquake in this region could be significant, particularly in St. Louis, Missouri, and Memphis, Tennessee, where widespread damage and loss of life could occur. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources notes that earthquakes in this region can shake an area 20 times larger than earthquakes in California, making it crucial for residents to be prepared for a major seismic event.
Experts are still investigating the cause of the recent earthquakes, but theories include the possibility that the fault is slipping slowly, releasing small amounts of stress, or that magma is pushing its way up into the Earth’s crust, causing the earthquakes. While California receives most of the focus in terms of earthquake preparation, experts caution that the impact of an earthquake in this region could be more widespread.