In this article we are going to address the topic of 1947 Wisconsin earthquake from different perspectives, with the aim of offering a broad and complete vision of this topic. 1947 Wisconsin earthquake is a topic of great relevance today, since it impacts different areas of society, culture, economy, politics and daily life. Along these lines, we will explore the different facets of 1947 Wisconsin earthquake, analyzing its history, its current implications and its possible future developments. In addition, we will focus on specific aspects that raise interest around 1947 Wisconsin earthquake, such as its influence on certain population groups, its impact on the environment or its relationship with other relevant phenomena. In short, this article seeks to offer a complete and enriching overview of 1947 Wisconsin earthquake, providing information, reflections and analysis that may be of interest to all types of readers.
UTC time | 1947-05-06 20:25 |
---|---|
ISC event | n/a |
USGS-ANSS | n/a |
Local date | May 6, 1947 |
Local time | 15:25 (CST)[citation needed] |
Magnitude | No record |
Epicenter | 43°03′N 87°57′W / 43.05°N 87.95°W |
Max. intensity | MMI V (Moderate) |
The 1947 Wisconsin earthquake took place on May 6, immediately south of Milwaukee at 15:25 (CST). It was the largest tremor to be historically documented in Wisconsin, but was not recorded by seismographs.
The area had been previously shaken by the 1909 Wabash River earthquake, causing damage assessed at VII (Very strong) on the Modified Mercalli scale across the Wisconsin-Illinois border. Two earthquakes were also reported in the state in 1912. Shocks in 1919 and 1925, the first from Missouri and the latter from Canada, occurred over enormous zones and affected the entire region, though not seriously. Earthquakes struck Wisconsin again in 1937 and 1939.
The area hardest hit was a 7,770 square kilometers (3,000 sq mi) strip of land in southeastern Wisconsin, while the earthquake was felt over a much more extensive 99 miles (159 km) wide area stretching across the Wisconsin-Illinois border, and to Lake Michigan and Waukesha. Damage consisted of broken windows and fallen porcelain, pots and dishes. The locals' initial impression was that an explosion had taken place. Many evacuated buildings into the streets. Corporate office buildings were emptied of workers. Numerous calls were made local fire departments, police stations and newspapers. Three reports were made to the Milwaukee Fire Department, all describing explosions.
Often described as "sharp", this was the most powerful earthquake to date in Wisconsin's seismological history. The earthquake broke a seismograph at Marquette University. Many hotels, such as the Schroeder Hotel in Milwaukee, were rocked by the tremor. However, the earthquake caused no serious damage or casualties.