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U.S. officials release map of seismic activity

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MEMPHIS (AP) — Researchers have created a map showing the locations of 804 earthquakes since the late 17th century from Iowa to Alabama, many of them in the New Madrid fault zone.

The map, a joint project of the U.S. Geological Survey and the Central U.S. Earthquake Consortium, was released Thursday. It is accompanied by narratives and scientific information on a poster that’s nearly 5 feet wide.

“We feel like we’re so far behind here in educating the public,” said Robert Latham, chairman of CUSEC and executive director of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency.

Although previous maps have plotted earthquakes in the region, the latest one is the most far-reaching in terms of geography and history, officials said.

The quakes occurred between 1699 and 2002. The temblors were at least 3.0 in magnitude — strong enough to have been felt at the surface.

The greatest concentration of quakes occurred in the New Madrid fault zone, which extends from near Cairo, Ill., to around Marked Tree, Ark., 35 miles northwest of Memphis

The posters will be made available to schools and government agencies, officials said.

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The public can purchase the maps for $7, plus $5 shipping and handling, by calling (888) ASK-USGS (888-275-8747) and requesting map I-2812. A digital version is available at http://pubs.usgs.gov/imap/i-2812/.

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