Updated model reflects risk of damaging earthquakes in parts of Tennessee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) --The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has released an updated model of where earthquakes are most likely to hit and parts of Tennessee have been upgraded.

The National Seismic Hazard Model for the United States incorporates the latest scientific observations to update chances of locations experiencing an earthquake. Nationally, the report finds 1 in 10 people in the country now live in high-hazard areas where strong shaking is likely.

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In Tennessee, some areas near the New Madrid fault line have up to a 74% chance of experiencing a damaging earthquake shaking in the next 100 years. Areas near the Southern Appalachian Seismic Zone in east Tennessee have up to a 36% chance.

Researchers found from 2014 to 2018, ground shaking has increased across a broad region within 621 miles of the New Madrid Seismic Zone which stretches from Arkansas along the Tennessee, Missouri line and Illinois/Kentucky line.

Memphis ground shaking from 2014 to 2018 was up 16% according to the research. However, the Eastern Tennessee zone has seen decreases in shaking over the period.

USGS says the higher risk is due to increases in population and improvements in how scientists are able to estimate earthquake hazard.