First day of New Madrid earthquakesIn 1811, the first earthquake struck of a series, known as the New Madrid earthquakes, until 7 Feb 1812, with many aftershocks. A second earthquake followed six hours later. Both had an epicenter in northeastern Arkansas, were about magnitude 7 - 7.5, and were felt hundreds of miles away. They remain among the most powerful earthquakes in the United States. Within three months there were two more equally strong earthquakes. On 23 Jan 1812, the epicenter was in the far southeast corner of Missouri, and another on 7 Feb 1812 occurred with an epicenter further north, near New Madrid, Missouri. Contemporary accounts tell of houses damaged, chimneys toppled, and remarkable geological phenomena and landscapes changed. The New Madrid fault reamins a concern.« |
