The great New Madrid, Missouri (U. S. A. ) earthquake of 1811-1812

Journal Article · · Environmental Geology and Water Sciences; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01702220· OSTI ID:5996881

Rockaway, J D ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Missouri, Rolla (United States)

The series of earthquakes that occurred along the New Madrid Fault System in 1811 and 1812 probably was as large as any earthquakes that ever occurred in eastern North America. The magnitude of each of the four major shocks exceeded M{sub s} = 8.4, and the effects of these shocks were felt with a Modified Mercalli Intensity V or greater over approximately 2.5 million km{sup 2}. Because the epicenters were located in a sparsely settled region of the American frontier, there was little loss of life or damage. However, eyewitness accounts of those who lived through the shocks have provided striking accounts of the high levels of ground motion the region experienced. Thus, the historical record gives engineering geologists a good indication of the catastrophic damage that could results if earthquakes of similar magnitude would occur today.

• OSTI ID: 5996881
• Journal Information: Environmental Geology and Water Sciences; (United States), Journal Name: Environmental Geology and Water Sciences; (United States) Vol. 16:1; ISSN EGWSE; ISSN 0177-5146
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

58 GEOSCIENCES
580000* -- Geosciences
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
EARTHQUAKES
ENGINEERING GEOLOGY
FEDERAL REGION VII
GEOLOGIC FAULTS
GEOLOGIC FRACTURES
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
GEOLOGY
GROUND MOTION
HISTORICAL ASPECTS
MISSOURI
MOTION
NORTH AMERICA
PLANNING
SEISMIC EFFECTS
SEISMIC EVENTS
SOIL-STRUCTURE INTERACTIONS
USA