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In the central
United States, earthquakes do occur on a regular basis. The
Center for Earthquake Research and Information in Memphis, Tennessee
houses
current seismic maps and information that
give a comprehensive view into recent seismic activity in this region. Additionally,
the U.S. Geological Survey hosts sites that display United States and
Worldwide seismic activity.
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Click here to view Recent Earthquake Activity
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In 1811, the central Mississippi Valley was sparsely populated.
Today, the region is home to millions of people, including those in the
cities of St. Louis, Missouri, and Memphis, Tennessee. Adding to the
danger, most structures in the region were not built to withstand
earthquake shaking, as they have been in more seismically active areas
like California. Moreover, most earthquake preparations also have
lagged far behind.
Recognizing these problems, CUSEC, our Member States, the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and
other organizations are joining together to take actions that will
greatly reduce loss of life and property in future temblors.
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Click here to read more about the New Madrid Seismic Zone
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Recent studies have indicated that the New Madrid Seismic Zone is not
the only 'hot spot' for earthquakes in the Central United States. On April 18, 2008, a 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck near Mt. Carmel,
Illinois, further demonstrating that earthquakes are topic that needs
to be addressed. This earthquake was felt in at least 16 states, by
more than 40,000 people, accoriding to the USGS. Fortunately, there
were no serious injuries or fatalities, but non-structural damage was
reported in the states of Illinois, Indiana, & Kentucky.
The Wabash Valley Seismic Zone is located in Southeastern Illinois and
Southwestern Indiana and it is capable of producing 'New Madrid' size
earthquake events. Since the discovery of this seismic zone, earthquake
awareness and preparedness have increased. Residents are seeing that
moderate sized earthquakes are not just occuring to the south, but
occur right at home and can affect Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky.
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Click here to read more about the Wabash Valley Seismic Zone
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We have tried to put together some frequently asked questions about the seismic
hazard in the central United States. The FAQ's cover a range of
both technical and non-technical areas. If you have questions not
answered below, please submit them to us. We
will answer them directly to you and will make them available to others
via this FAQ.
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Click here to view the Earthquake FAQ
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We have tried to gather several different types of earthquake related links that you may find useful. Resources include links to Federal Government websites, Earthquake Research & Academia partners, other NEHRP Consortia, International Earthquake links, Non-Profit & Professional Association links, and links to our Corporate Sponsors. If your organization is not listed, please please contact us and we will review your request to be added to our list.
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Click here to view other Resources & Links
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CUSEC has put together a list of websites, found below, that offer earthquake information and projects geared towards kids. These sites will give kids a better understanding of the hazard and the types of research that is involved in the scientific community. Additionally, some of the sites show kids just what to do and expect in the event of an earthquake. Feel free to browse through these links and let us know what you think.
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Click here to view our Links for Kids...
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