Lessons Learned From Missouri's 1990 Earthquake Panic

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In 1990, climatologist Iben Browning predicted a major earthquake would strike the New Madrid Fault in Missouri on December 3 of that year. This sparked a media circus as international press descended on the region, but Browning's prediction ultimately failed to materialize. The aftermath has had both positive and negative impacts, raising awareness about earthquake preparedness while also leading to ridicule of those who try to warn about seismic activity in the area.

Why it matters

Browning's failed prediction highlighted the challenges and risks of trying to predict earthquakes, a capability the scientific community says does not exist. However, it also spurred greater public awareness about the potential for a devastating quake along the New Madrid Fault, which continues to be a serious concern for Missouri residents.

The details

Iben Browning was a climatologist who became convinced that strong tidal forces driven by the alignment of the Earth, Moon, and Sun would trigger seismic activity on the New Madrid Fault. He pinpointed December 3, 1990 as the date a major quake would strike. As that date approached, international media flocked to the region, with songs and tributes being made to Browning. The local PBS station even produced an earthquake survival guide in response. However, Browning's prediction never came true, leading to widespread ridicule of earthquake preparedness efforts in the years since.

• Iben Browning predicted a major New Madrid Fault earthquake would strike on December 3, 1990.
• International press began assembling in and around New Madrid, Missouri as the predicted date approached in December 1990.

What’s next

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources and USGS continue to warn about the ongoing seismic risk in the New Madrid Fault region, urging residents to be prepared for a major earthquake that could strike without warning.