Did You Feel The Earthquake This Morning?

CARUTHERSVILLE, MO — The United States Geological Survey reported a 3.6 magnitude earthquake centered on Caruthersville, Mo. — a small town in the state's boot heel — at 10:57 a.m. Tuesday morning. Residents in four states reported feeling the ground shake.

The quake's epicenter was less than two dozen miles from the New Madrid fault, the site of a massive series of earthquakes in 1811 and 1812 that caused the Mississippi river to briefly flow backward. According to geologists, the fault still raises a concern for continued seismic activity. The USGS recently estimated the change of an earthquake similar to the ones that struck in 1811 and 1812 at about seven to 10 percent over the next 50 years. The chance of a slightly smaller earthquake of at least magnitude six is even higher — 25 to 40 percent over the same time frame.

To report feeling the quake, visit the USGS website and fill out their form.

Image via United States Geological Survey