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The article discusses earthquakes in the New Madrid Seismic Zone, examining attempts to determine the size of earthquakes in 1811 and 1812 as well as earthquakes which occurred in the area after 1812. Seismologist Susan Hough studied terrain and reported quake intensities, historian Kent Moran studied accounts of the earthquakes, and seismologist Chris Cramer studied other intraplate quakes. Research on liquefaction and sand boils by seismologist Thomas Holzer is also examined.

The article examines the presence of fault zones in the Midwestern part of the U.S. Topics covered include the discovery of the faults in 1800s, occurrence of earthquakes in the region and level of the earthquakes. Also mentioned are the recorded aftershock of earthquakes in the area on December 16, 1811.

The article offers science news briefs. According to a report by researchers at the Carnegie Institution for Science in Stanford, California, international trade contributed to increased global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the production of goods and services. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has begun using the Internet social networking site Twitter to gather data about earthquakes.

Reports that a sprawling network of seismometers that covers the Los Angeles, California area could be adapted to provide warning of damaging ground motions from earthquakes in the seconds before those seismic vibes arrive. Sample of quake-prone regions that have already early-warning systems; Types of seismic vibrations created by earthquakes; Valuable application of a warning system.

Reports on the idea that the San Cayetano fault near Los Angeles, California may have been responsible for a major earthquake in California in 1812. Efforts of seismologists to assess the risk of future earthquakes; Role of geologists James F. Dolan and Thomas K. Rockwell in the study of the fault.