Humboldt Fault

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The Humboldt Fault (red) and Midcontinent Rift System (green) in Kansas and Nebraska.
The Humboldt Fault (red) and Midcontinent Rift System (green) in Kansas and Nebraska.

The Humboldt Fault or Humboldt Fault Zone, is a normal fault or series of faults, that extends from Nebraska southwestwardly through most of Kansas[1]

Kansas is not particularly earthquake prone, ranking 45th out of 50 states by damage caused.[2] However, the north-central part of the state, particularly Riley and Pottawatomie counties, is the most prone to earthquakes. The Humboldt fault had the largest earthquake recorded in Kansas history. It happened near the town of Wamego, in 1867, and was estimated at about 5.5 on the Richter scale. Reportedly it was felt as far away as Dubuque, Iowa.[2]

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ from the Kansas Geological Survey (at the University of Kansas) site, oil geology page, accessed on December 16, 2006
  2. ^ a b KGS cite of Federal Emergency Management Agency report, accessed on December 16, 2006
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