Geological Survey Program

Earthquakes in Missouri

Great Central U.S. ShakeOut! | Earthquake Science | SEMA Preparedness | FEMA Preparedness | FEMA Mitigation
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Join us for the Great Central U.S. ShakeOut! Earthquakes occur in our state
Missourians experience small earthquakes daily. This is especially true in southeast Missouri. The size of these earthquakes are in the range of 1-2 magnitude which means that they rarely are felt by humans; but they can be recorded on devices that measure the earth's movement. These earthquakes are evidence that a seismically active fault system is present in the southeastern portion of our state. This system is called the New Madrid Seismic Zone and it extends through a multi-state area. The movement along this fault system occurs thousands of feet below ground surface. However, because of both the extent and depth of this fault, it has the potential to cause damage and impacts across a large area of the central United States.

Geologic studies indicate that large earthquakes occurred along the New Madrid Seismic Zone in approximately 300 AD, 900 AD, and 1400 AD. Most Missourians have heard of the more recent 1811-1812 flurry of quakes that were in the range of magnitude 7-8 and centered near New Madrid, Missouri. Because few people lived in Missouri in the early 1800s, impact to human life was minimal. The three major earthquakes in late 1811 and early 1812, however, did permanently change the course of the Mississippi River and created the Reelfoot Lake in the northwest corner of Tennessee.

Missourians should be aware of the reality of earthquake hazards in our state. However, we must also understand that an earthquake measuring as large as 10.5 as depicted in disaster films, are probably only fiction. Some scientists predict that there is about a 10 percent chance of a magnitude 7-8 earthquake along the New Madrid Seismic Zone in a 50 year time interval; which is a more realistic estimation of the size of a large earthquake that may occur in our state. The most valuable lesson we can learn from watching natural disaster movies is that knowledge and preparation are key. We should channel the energy associated with an increased awareness level into positive activities that will help prepare for actual earthquake risk associated with the New Madrid Seismic Zone. The Division of Geology and Land Survey has worked cooperatively with the U.S. Geological Survey for several decades to increase the knowledge base about earthquakes in the central United States. For additional information, booklets or answers to questions, please contact the Division of Geology and Land Survey 573-368-2143.  We are located in Rolla, Missouri at 111 Fairgrounds Road.

Join us for the Great Central U.S. ShakeOut -- Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012 at 10:15 a.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012, at 10:15 a.m. (CST), more than one million people across nine states will particiaption in the 2012 Great Central U.S. ShakeOut, earthquake drill. Will you be one who particiates?  Register today and tell your friends!  We hope you joined us last year when more than 3 million people in an eleven-state region registered to participate in the largest earthquake preparedness exercise in Central U.S. history.

Earthquake Facts

In the News

Sunday, Nov. 7, 2010 -- A Magnitude 2.8 earthquake occurred near Cape Girardeau 11:37 p.m.

Earthquake near Cape Girardeau25 km (15 miles) SW of Cape Girardeau, Missouri
35 km (20 miles) NNW of Sikeston, Missouri
170 km (105 miles) SSE of St. Louis, Missouri
265 km (165 miles) SE of Jefferson City, Missouri

Sunday, Nov. 7, 2010 -- A magnitude 2.8 earthquake occurred near Cape Girardeau 11:37 p.m.  Details, Maps,

Did you feel this earthquake?  Report shaking and damage at your location. You can also view a map displaying accumulated data from your report and others.

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