Tsunami's and Earthquakes - The New Madrid River Tsunami

Seeing the news coverage on the Japanese Earthquake and Tsunamis is horrendous. Possibly because Japan is such a modern country and the coverage more live breaking we are able to stay more currently informed. This one is also affecting such a large part of our planet makes and with the Nuclear Power Plants at risk makes it more terrifying. While I now live in the mountains of the Blue Ridge we are not immune to such an event. Living in Florida most of my life, you are somewhat aware a Tsunami was a possibility but there was more danger from a hurricane, been there - did that – three times.

Now, in the mountains we are considered in a ‘yellow zone’ for earthquakes – a possibility but nowhere near as critical as the New Madrid. The New Madrid fault runs North and South along the Mississippi and is centered in Missouri. It is considered a ‘red zone’, the same as Japan though, of course, Japan has earthquakes with a much greater frequency.

The Blue Ridge mountains are laced with fault lines and the New Madrid is only a few hundred miles west of here.

www.huffingtonpost.com/.../us-fault-lines-graphic-ea_n_432948.html

This is the fault line that in 1811 and 1812 that caused four earthquakes with estimated magnitudes between 7.5 and 8.0 that struck over Christmas and New Years and the scientists now say threw the Mississippi River out of its banks and caused it to flow backwards.

At that time damage occurred as far away as Washington D.C. and Charleston, S.C. For the entire story check out the link, it will definitely get your attention.

It frightens me to think how much worse it would be now, IF an earthquake or earthquakes of these intensities should occur again. So many major cities along this fault line were built without knowledge of its existence and unlike Japan none of the buildings were built with an earthquake in mind. Instead of an ocean Tsunami, we'd have a river Tsunami and think about the cities along that long, wide river! Actually the Japanese word "Tsunami" means 'baywave'.

Possibly now would be a good time for us, the people in this country to address the possible event on an earthquake right here. Scientists are warning this fault line is endanger of once again ‘slipping’ and causing an event.

While we assist Japan all we can – we should begin to look at the dangers here, not only the serious danger in California but the danger in heart of the United States. Stop and think for a moment what an earth quake or a series of them like those in 1811 and 1812 would be like today along the New Madrid and the cities that now line the Mississippi River.

PARDON MY REVERIE - BUT...

To an author I think there are many milestones, when you get your first contract, that first really good review and anytime your books see print. Though I've had books in print before Star TyGer and the sequel should be as well - seeing a book in print and holding it in your hand is always a 'trip'. Planet Of The Veils is in print and I've enjoyed signing copies for those who have been close enough to have them signed or to those who have won them. I hope to get to do more of that with Star TyGer. The first book I signed was years ago and a vanity publish (blush) before I knew anything about writing or publishing. I had written the book as a way of honoring my mother and it sold well enough I actually made a small profit. However nothing, certianly not money, could top the feeling I got when, on vacation I walked into a truck stop and the sales lady behind the counter was reading a copy. My daughter, at that time thirteen, said "Mom, she's reading your book!" The woman heard her and flipped out. I got to sign the book for her and she was so thrilled. Not as much as I was and it will live in my mind as one of my fondest memories. I'm sure all authors have that one special memory and if they haven't had it yet, I hope they do soon. Its special - like when you get that first prom dress, or the first gift of really nice jewelry from a special guy - well maybe that doesn't quite explain it. I'll admit I cried for awhile after we left - OH I was happy but kind of overcome. Funny, it was a rainy day, we were camping and had stopped at the Truck Stop because they had a laundry. It was one of the best family vacations we've taken. From it came a story that I hope to publish in the next year or so. Because its a full length novel, science fiction/fantasy and possibly will go into two or three sequels I've taken my time with it. A story very dear to me. But the story that I published first is now out of print and waiting in its little computer file to be dusted off and sent to a new publisher - and YES this time it will get a good edit, something it didn't get that first time - and sorely needed. Still, the reviews were good and the plot sound. Pardon my reverie - ah but its raining outside, spring is in the air and we now live near where we camped that day. I can look out my office windows into the mountains and high trees and just a few hundred feet away there is a fast running stream... God - I love these mountains!

Sultry