The Potential “Big Ones” You Didn’t Know About
Most Americans associate major earthquakes with California. In reality, however, some of the country’s most dangerous seismic zones ... are in places you may not expect.
One of America’s most dangerous seismic zones is in the middle of the country. The New Madrid Fault threatens parts of Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri, and Tennessee.
In the winter of 1811-1812, the region experienced three earthquakes estimated to be between 7 - 8 magnitude. One was so severe that it temporarily caused the Mississippi River to flow backward.
Scientists estimate a 25-40% chance of a 6.0+ quake from New Madrid in the next 50 years.
But that’s far from the most worrying seismic threat in the U.S.
The Pacific Northwest’s Cascadia Subduction has the potential to reshape life in the region. It’s estimated to be capable of earthquakes 30x more powerful than those from California’s San Andreas Fault — which would bring with them devastating tsunamis.
One FEMA official said that, in the worst-case scenario… “Our operating assumption is that everything west of Interstate 5 will be toast.”
So, is anywhere completely safe from earthquakes? According to the U.S. Geological Survey, North Dakota and Florida are the states with the fewest earthquakes.
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