The New Madrid Seismic Zone

Most seismic zones form where two or more of Earth's tectonic plates meet. The New Madrid Seismic Zone is different from most because it is situated over a fault line in the middle of a tectonic plate. The Reelfoot Rift is a weak line in the North American Plate under the states of Missouri, Tennessee, and Arkansas. A series of destructive earthquakes occurred between 1811 and 1812, and more followed throughout the 1800s. Smaller quakes have occurred since then, but some scientists believe the area will again experience powerful earthquakes in the future. Readers will explore the history of earthquakes in this area and what scientists have learned from them, aided by maps, colorful photography, and primary sources.