By Associated Press
Memphis, TN – Some earthquake scientists say previous estimates of the strength of the 1811-12 New Madrid earthquakes were too high. The Seismological Society of America is meeting at Memphis. One of the papers presented argues the quakes in the winter of 1811-1812 weren't nearly as powerful as previous estimates of magnitude 7.7 or greater. Susan E. Hough of the U.S. Geological Survey says new reviews by independent experts put the magnitude of the three main earthquakes at a maximum of about 7.0. University of Memphis seismologist Chris Cramer says accurate estimates of the power of those quakes could help predict how buildings will hold up in any new major quake in the area.