After a major earthquake in the New Madrid or Wabash Valley seismic zone, what changes to the landscape would we most likely see?
Deformation of the land surface directly over a fault that moves may manifest as very localized uplift or subsidence, or lateral distortions of up to several meters (for a very large earthquake). Shaking can cause ground failure of various types, including liquefaction and landsliding. These would have significant effect on the landscape in terms of damming streams, spewing sand and mud into fields, and causing areas near bluffs and rivers to slide and form a broken up surface.
Related Questions
- What is the potential for a New Madrid Seismic Zone earthquake causing a secondary reaction on an adjoining fault such as the Wabash Valley Fault?
- After a major earthquake in the New Madrid or Wabash Valley seismic zone, what changes to the landscape would we most likely see?
- Is the New Madrid Seismic Zone at risk for a large earthquake?
