Summary: The presentation will highlight the geologic history of the area which created the Reelfoot rift and the New Madrid Seismic Zone. It will discuss the direct geologic hazards of a major earthquake event as well as the indirect damages. The presentation will hopefully give viewers an understanding of what they can expect based on their locations and what indirect factors will impact them. And then finally the presentation will discuss the current science of earthquake, earthquake predictions, and early warning systems.

Biography: Larry “Boot” Pierce is a geologist with the Missouri Geological Survey. He received his bachelor’s degree from Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) and master’s from Missouri State University (MSU). In 1992, he began with the Missouri Geological Survey’s, Environmental Geology Section working on groundwater hydrology and geologic hazards assessment issues. In his current role as chief of the Geologic Resource Section he oversees geologic mapping, industrial and metallic mineral resource assessment, historic data preservation, and geologic hazards assessment. His research includes assessment of critical mineral resources, earthquake hazards in the new Madrid Seismic Zone, and studying the relationships between rock type and glade ecological communities. Boot also serves on the Missouri Natural Area’s Committee. In addition to his Missouri Geological Survey duties, he is a geology instructor for East Central College in Union, Missouri and owns Rainwater Fly Fishing school and guide service.