A series of 4 small earthquakes has been recorded around the New Madrid Seismic Zone in southeast Missouri over a 4-day period.
The recent activity included earthquakes near New Madrid, Steele and Lilbourn, Missouri, with reported magnitudes ranging from 1.8 to 2.3.
The New Madrid Seismic Zone stretches through portions of southeastern Missouri, northeastern Arkansas, western Tennessee and nearby areas. The U.S. Geological Survey says thousands of small to moderate earthquakes have been recorded in the region since modern seismic monitoring began in the 1970s. :chatgpt-content-reference{index=”0″}
LATEST EARTHQUAKE NEAR LILBOURN
The most recent of the 4 earthquakes was reported October 5 near Lilbourn, Missouri.
That earthquake had a reported magnitude of 1.9 and a depth of approximately 7 kilometers, or about 4 miles.
No significant damage has been reported in connection with the small earthquake.
2.3 MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE NEAR STEELE
A stronger 2.3 magnitude earthquake was reported October 3 near Steele, Missouri.
The earthquake had a reported depth of approximately 12 kilometers, or about 7 miles.
Steele is located in Missouri’s Bootheel, an area that lies within the broader New Madrid Seismic Zone.
2 EARTHQUAKES RECORDED OCTOBER 2
2 additional earthquakes were reported October 2.
A 2.2 magnitude earthquake occurred near Steele at a depth of approximately 8 kilometers, or about 5 miles.
A 1.8 magnitude earthquake was also reported near New Madrid at a depth of approximately 11 kilometers, or about 7 miles.
A regional report also documented the 2 earthquakes occurring near Interstate 55 in southeast Missouri that morning. :chatgpt-content-reference{index=”1″}
RECENT EARTHQUAKES:
OCTOBER 5, 2026:
1.9 magnitude
Near Lilbourn, Missouri
Depth: approximately 7 kilometers, or 4 miles
OCTOBER 3, 2026:
2.3 magnitude
Near Steele, Missouri
Depth: approximately 12 kilometers, or 7 miles
OCTOBER 2, 2026:
2.2 magnitude
Near Steele, Missouri
Depth: approximately 8 kilometers, or 5 miles
OCTOBER 2, 2026:
1.8 magnitude
Near New Madrid, Missouri
Depth: approximately 11 kilometers, or 7 miles
SMALL EARTHQUAKES COMMON IN NEW MADRID REGION
The U.S. Geological Survey says the New Madrid Seismic Zone remains one of the most active earthquake areas in the central United States.
Modern instruments have recorded thousands of small to moderate earthquakes in the region since 1974. Many are too small to cause damage or even be noticed by residents. :chatgpt-content-reference{index=”2″}
The seismic zone includes portions of northeastern Arkansas, southeastern Missouri, western Tennessee and nearby states.
The faults responsible for earthquakes in the region are deeply buried beneath river sediment, making them difficult to see at the surface. :chatgpt-content-reference{index=”3″}
REGION HAS LONG EARTHQUAKE HISTORY
The New Madrid Seismic Zone is best known for the major earthquake sequence of 1811 and 1812.
The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that the 3 largest earthquakes during that sequence were between magnitude 7 and 8.
Those earthquakes caused widespread ground deformation and were felt across much of the eastern United States. :chatgpt-content-reference{index=”4″}
The U.S. Geological Survey says the recent occurrence of small earthquakes by itself does not mean a larger earthquake is imminent.
Earthquake activity in the region is continuously monitored by the New Madrid Seismic Network and other agencies. :chatgpt-content-reference{index=”5″}
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