Although earthquakes have been noted as early as 580 B.C. in Europe, until the 18th century, the recording and accuracy of these catastrophic events were misunderstood and inaccurate. On December 16, 1811, a series of three earthquakes began in New Madrid, Missouri with an estimated magnitude of 8. These earthquakes were felt as far away as Denver and Boston making this the most widely felt earthquake in the history of North America (USGS, n.d.).
Almost one-hundred years later, in 1906, one of the most deadly and destructive earthquakes in American history erupted in San Francisco killing almost 700 people. Fires broke out across the city causing extensive damage and taking additional lives for a total of over 3,000 deaths. A recording of ground movement was recorded on a seismogram as far away as Germany. This earthquake led to the beginning of the widespread scientific study of earthquakes in California and across North America (USGS, n.d.).
Research compiled from over twenty scientists and seismograph recordings from around the world led to the highly regarded Lawson report. This report provided geological observations, maps of triangulation surveys, and detailed reports that are the basis for groundbreaking knowledge of earthquakes today. These studies led to additional research by Professor Harry Fielding Reid who is known for his "elastic rebound theory." These studies and recordings have provided modern day scientists with a basis for discovering the underlying causes of earthquakes (USGS, n.d.).
Almost one-hundred years later, in 1906, one of the most deadly and destructive earthquakes in American history erupted in San Francisco killing almost 700 people. Fires broke out across the city causing extensive damage and taking additional lives for a total of over 3,000 deaths. A recording of ground movement was recorded on a seismogram as far away as Germany. This earthquake led to the beginning of the widespread scientific study of earthquakes in California and across North America (USGS, n.d.).
Research compiled from over twenty scientists and seismograph recordings from around the world led to the highly regarded Lawson report. This report provided geological observations, maps of triangulation surveys, and detailed reports that are the basis for groundbreaking knowledge of earthquakes today. These studies led to additional research by Professor Harry Fielding Reid who is known for his "elastic rebound theory." These studies and recordings have provided modern day scientists with a basis for discovering the underlying causes of earthquakes (USGS, n.d.).