NEW ALBANY (July 23, 2014) — Dr. Gerald Ruth, professor of Geosciences in the School of Natural Sciences, provided expert commentary on earthquakes to WDRB-41 reporter, Courtney Godfrey, yesterday for the channel’s 4 p.m. broadcast.

USGS newly-updated hazard map (click to view at full-size)

Godfrey reached out to IU Southeast after a new report from the U.S. Geological Survey, revealed that Kentucky and Indiana may be at a higher risk for potentially dangerous earthquakes than was previously thought. The research re-evaluated the New Madrid Fault, and found that earthquakes originating here could have more destructive, far-reaching effects than their current hazard map represented.

The updated map, pictured right, reflects recent findings, and includes portions of Kentucky and Indiana, along with 14 other states, as the areas at highest risk of earthquakes.

Click here to view the WDRB story and video footage.