The U.S. Geological
Survey has created maps that show areas of probable earthquakes for the entire
United States (2002
National Seismic Hazard Maps).
While a large earthquake that will seriously affect southwestern Indiana is
inevitable, it is currently impossible to predict when the next “big one” will
occur, or even whether it will happen during our lifetimes. While fearing the
inevitable is pointless, it would be prudent for government officials and citizens
to begin taking basic steps to prepare for
a major quake.
A recent press release of the U.S. Geological Survey stated that there is a 25 to 40 percent chance of a
magnitude 6.0 or greater earthquake in the next 50 years for the central United States. There is a 7 to 10 percent
chance of a repeat of events similar to the 1811-12 earthquake.
For information on historic earthquakes, see Earthquakes in Indiana. For more
information about recent Indiana earthquakes, see Earthquake
Near Evansville: Another Warning of Things to Come.