The Next New Madrid Earthquake: A Survival Guide for the Midwest

by William Walker Atkinson

Book Overview

Scientists who specialize in the study of Mississippi Valley earthquakes say that the region is overdue for a powerful tremor that will cause major damage and undoubtedly some casualties.

The inevitability of a future quake and the lack of preparation by both individuals and communities provided the impetus for this book. Atkinson brings together applicable information from many disciplines: history, geology and seismology, engineering, zoology,...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0809313200
• ISBN13: 9780809313204
• Release Date: June 1989
• Publisher: Southern Illinois University Press
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.76 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.5" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

Excellent guide

The book contains plenty of factual and historical data on the New Madrid fault as well as information on other earthquakes throughout recorded history in other parts of the world. It also has some relevant, valuable data on how it will affect the areas and people involved should there be a major earthquake. This book is a must read. I'm glad I read this book before I read "8.4" by Peter Hernon. It made 8.4 come alive and made it a fun read, if by fun read, you mean that the story gives you the *screamin' willies*.

California ain't got nothin' on New Madrid

Very well researched book on the New Madrid fault line. Chronicles many of the major earthquakes including the 1811-1812 quakes that rerouted the Missippi. Interesting graphs and charts. Nice comparision to other major earthquakes. Good information especially if you are teaching geology in the midwest.

From a Member of New Madrid, Missouri

From a person who lives in New Madrid, this book is very helpful. It lists all the things, you need to know. Strategies for your survival, stuff for an emergency case; food, water, toliet paper.

Required reading for anyone in the Mississippi Valley

The dangerous propensities of the midcontinental earthquake zone known by the name of the New Madrid fault system are part and parcel of life in the area where the Ohio River joins the Mississippi river system. In 1811 and 1812, a bone-shattering series of earthquakes took place here, three of which are estimated at over 8.3 on the Richter scale, devastating this region, creating new lakes, making the Mississippi run backwards for a time, raising hills, and changing river courses. If such a series of events took place today, the consequences would be almost unimaginable. Atkinson's book explores these matters with a studied eye, an easily understoood writing style, and contains many excellent diagrams forecasting where future quake damage will occur, and in what amount. It also contains a shocking series of narratives about how little has been done to prepare for the next emergency. Make no mistake, the New Madrid earthquakes of the early nineteenth century are not the last seismic events in this region. This book should be required reading for every local and state government official in this region and, especially for every civil defense person. While no one knows when the next giant eathquake will occur, and it may be some hundreds of years away, the magnitude of the potential disaster dictates readiness now. Examples would include strict rules regarding construction of building highways, bridges, pipelines, levees, sewage and water systems and the like. This book points out clearly what should be done. I recommend the book highly.

The Need for Earthquake Preparedness

This book does an excellent job of describing the recent history of the New Madrid fault, and the impact of recorded earthquakes in that area.The book also serves as an effective planning guide for government agencies, businesses, and indiviuals. Proper preparation is critical if this now highly developed region is to survive another earthquake or series of earthquakes such as those that occured in 1811-12.