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Geologists Talk Earthquakes in Missouri

United States Geological Survey

Earthquakes may seem like a distant problem to citizens of southwest Missouri. However, historical records do show evidence of strong seismic activity in Missouri’s past.

The New Madrid Seismic Zone encompasses Missouri’s Bootheel and was the center of strong earthquakes in the early 1800s. It is still active and must be considered when planning and building.

Doctors Doug Gouzie and Kevin Mickus, from the Missouri State University Department of Geography, Geology and Planning visit with STEM Spots Host David Cornelison and discuss both past activity and implications for the future.

Dr. David Cornelison has been working as an educator and scientist in Arizona and Missouri universities for the last 32 years. From 2010-2018, he was the head of the Department of Physics, Astronomy and Materials Science at Missouri State University. His research interests lie at the intersection of experimental condensed-matter physics and astrophysics, while his educational efforts have focused on outreach to the K-12 school system. Most of all, he believes in curiosity-driven learning in the sciences and all other fields.