Illinois Faces Catastrophic Risk in 7.0 Quake Scenario

You don't hear nearly as much about the Wabash Valley Seismic Zone in Illinois as you do the New Madrid Fault in Missouri, but experts are quietly preparing for what could be a surprising major quake in the Land of Lincoln. Simulations show the results would be catastrophic for many parts of Illinois.

I didn't realize until now that the USGS has done many simulations of earthquake scenarios. One of them is a hypothetical 7.1 magnitude quake with an epicenter in southeastern Illinois along the Wabash Valley Fault System. This graphic they created shows the shaking intensity that would forever alter Illinois.

What would happen in Illinois if a magnitude 7 or greater quake struck the Wabash Valley Seismic Zone?

The USGS simulation shows that damage in southern Illinois towns like Mt. Vernon, Harrisburg, Marion, and Mt. Carmel would be catastrophic. Carbondale, Belleville, Effingham, and parts of Springfield which would be located between 50 and 100 miles from the epicenter would also suffer extreme damage. Even Chicago, Peoria, and Decatur would feel the shaking and experience minor damage. The simulation also shows that a general panic across the state of Illinois would be expected. With transportation systems and bridges damaged, access to basic necessities like food would be a challenge. National supply chains would be disrupted, too, due to the central location of Illinois. It would also be likely that magnitude 6 aftershocks would further complicate the response from rescuers if Illinois were to see a major earthquake like this become a reality. Let's hope this remains in the world of simulation and never a modern day reality.

One final thought. There have been many recent earthquakes that show the Wabash Valley Seismic Zone may be waking up. That's why it's important for Illinois to always be earthquake aware and prepared.