The New Madrid FaultBrendan Ninneman

1

HistoryReelfoot Rift

Failed breakup of Supercontinent Rodinia (750 million years ago)

Sand Blows

Formed about 4800 B.C. and 3500 B.C.

Similar to New Madrid

2

Current AreaFour-segment, zig-zag fault system

125 miles long

Fault extends from Marked Tree, Arkansas to Cairo, Illinois

Rocks in the region are harder, colder, dryer, and less fractured

3

Earthquakes of 1811-12Strongest earthquake recorded east of Rocky Mountains

Five major earthquakes (magnitude 7.0), 15 earthquakes (6.5-8.0), 189 earthquakes (5.0-6.5)

Reelfoot Lake created

4

Worst Case$300 Billion in Direct Economic Loss (Three times worst than Phase I)

3,500 Fatalities

2.6 Million Households without power

Bedrock In Downtowns

St. Louis - 10 feet below surface

Memphis - 3,000 feet below surface

5

Are We Ready?Short Answer:

No

City Buildings

Monsanto Center

6

7

8

SummaryThe region is We are overdue for a earthquake the size of a 6.3 by 30 years

Majority of buildings are not up to date on earthquake standards

No change in the foreseeable future

9