New Madrid Fault Stress Changes from Sediment Unloading - Geologic Cross-Section #2046459 (License: Personal Use)

This scientific diagram depicts subsurface deformation in the New Madrid Seismic Zone, where two episodes of sediment unloading (6 m each between 16-12 kyr BP and 12-10 kyr BP) induced measurable horizontal stress changes-up to ±0.4 MPa-across the crust and upper mantle. The green star marks the epicentral region of historic earthquakes, while color gradients reflect compression (blue) to extension (red), revealing how surface processes influence deep fault behavior.

Used in academic geoscience articles, earthquake hazard assessments, and educational resources explaining intraplate seismicity; targets researchers, students, and policymakers seeking to understand stress triggers in stable continental interiors.