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The New Madrid Earthquake Trivia Quiz

The largest earthquake in the United States did not take place in California but in the Midwest. This quiz covers some of the facts about that event.

A multiple-choice quiz by Rehaberpro. Estimated time: 4 mins.

Author
Rehaberpro

Time
4 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
306,505

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
6 / 10

Plays
661

Awards
Top 20% Quiz

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. What was the estimated loss of life in the New Madrid Quake? Hint

Massive

None

Several thousand

Very slight

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Question 2 of 10

2. In what years did the New Madrid quakes occur? Hint

1811-1812

1843-1844

1745-1746

1901-1902

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Question 3 of 10

3. In what state is the city of New Madrid located? Hint

Missouri

Illinois

Arkansas

Kentucky

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Question 4 of 10

4. Within the fifty states there have been five major earthquakes. Which is the only one to exceed New Madrid according to both measured and estimated Richter Scale readings? Hint

San Francisco 1906

Northridge, California 1994

San Francisco 1989

Anchorage, Alaska 1964

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Question 5 of 10

5. How many square miles did the New Madrid quakes affect? Hint

65,000

90,000

50,000

5,000

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Question 6 of 10

6. What geographical change came about as a result of the New Madrid quakes? Hint

The Mississippi River changed its course

Large areas of land sunk into the earth

All of these

New lakes were formed

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Question 7 of 10

7. Scientists believe that the New Madrid fault will generate another quake in how many years? Hint

Every 1000 years

About 400 years

Never--the fault is permanently dormant

About each 250 years

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Question 8 of 10

8. In the New Madrid area, some minor activity in the fault is frequently felt. How many rumblings and tremblings are felt each year? Hint

About 11 or 12

About 150

Over 300

3 or 4 a year

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Question 9 of 10

9. How were the villages of Kentucky Bend, Kentucky, and Reverie, Tennessee, affected by the New Madrid quake? Hint

Both villages were completely leveled

They were shifted from the east side of the Mississippi to the west

Both villages were buried under sand

Both villages were left untouched

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Question 10 of 10

10. According to scientists, what two major United States cities would be affected most by a recurrence, in same area, of a quake equal to the New Madrid quake? Hint

Chicago and Atlanta

Kansas City and New Orleans

Saint Louis and Memphis

Chattanooga and Nashville

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. What was the estimated loss of life in the New Madrid Quake?

Answer: Very slight

There are no accurate figures but the area at that time was sparsely populated. In fact, few people even knew it occurred, although church bells rang as far away as South Carolina. Of the four hundred residents of New Madrid, only one death was attributed to the quakes.

2. In what years did the New Madrid quakes occur?

Answer: 1811-1812

The so-called New Madrid quakes took place during the winter of 1811 and 1812.

3. In what state is the city of New Madrid located?

Answer: Missouri

New Madrid claims to be the first city settled west of the Mississippi River. In 2000 its population was 3,334. Incidentally it is pronounced with a heavy stress on the first syllable (MADrid). Although not regarded as the epicenter of the seismic fault, the series of quakes has been attached to the city.

4. Within the fifty states there have been five major earthquakes. Which is the only one to exceed New Madrid according to both measured and estimated Richter Scale readings?

Answer: Anchorage, Alaska 1964

Scientist estimate New Madrid as 8.0 while Anchorage was 9.2. The 1906 San Fransisco was also estimated at 8.0 and 6.9 measured in 1989. Northridge was measured at 6.7.

5. How many square miles did the New Madrid quakes affect?

Answer: 50,000

The 1906 San Fransisco quake affected about 6,000 square miles, though both were estimated to have been of the same magnitude.

6. What geographical change came about as a result of the New Madrid quakes?

Answer: All of these

Cliffs crumbled and fell into the water. Former lakes turned to sand, while the new Lake Reelfoot was formed almost instantly.

7. Scientists believe that the New Madrid fault will generate another quake in how many years?

Answer: About each 250 years

Some scientists estimate that a new major quake will occur mid-century. 2062 would be 250 years.

8. In the New Madrid area, some minor activity in the fault is frequently felt. How many rumblings and tremblings are felt each year?

Answer: About 150

These minor events are a common occurrence in the area.

9. How were the villages of Kentucky Bend, Kentucky, and Reverie, Tennessee, affected by the New Madrid quake?

Answer: They were shifted from the east side of the Mississippi to the west

Even though the Mississippi shifted, Kentucky Bend, although surrounded by Missouri, is still considered a part of Kentucky. Likewise, Reverie surrounded by Arkansas is still considered a part of Tennessee.

10. According to scientists, what two major United States cities would be affected most by a recurrence, in same area, of a quake equal to the New Madrid quake?

Answer: Saint Louis and Memphis

Both these cities are on the fault line. Although building codes exist, a quake, according to one source, would make Katrina look like a picnic. Structures in these two cities are not up to the standards of California.

Source: Author Rehaberpro

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor bloomsby before going online.
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