A New Madrid earthquake packs a more powerful punch than a California quake of the same magnitude, according to a University of Missouri-Rolla researcher.
Dr. J. David Rogers, an associate professor of geological engineering at Missouri S&T, says unique geology in the Midwest increases the shaking intensity of even modest earthquakes because seismic energy moves through the dense bedrock underlying the region at very high speeds, then becomes trapped in soft sediments filling river channels and valleys.
That's one of the messages Rogers will deliver as a keynote speaker Thursday, Feb. 3, at Ameren headquarters in St. Louis during an informational program, "Earthquakes: Mean Business!" The free half-day program, which is part of Earthquake Awareness Week, starts at 8 a.m. and is open to the public.
Reviewed 2013-02-18