Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe has authorized the State to purchase six broadband seismic monitors that will detect and locate earthquake activity throughout Arkansas. The Arkansas Geological Survey will place the monitors throughout the state to improve measuring capabilities in areas between existing stations around the New Madrid Seismic Zone in Northeast Arkansas and those in Oklahoma. “Although Arkansans may not think about earthquakes often, our proximity to the New Madrid zone makes them a realistic concern for our State,” Governor Beebe said. “Our emergency responders already train and prepare for earthquakes. These seismic monitors will give us better information about the small tremors we experience now and help us prepare for stronger earthquakes that could impact Arkansas in the future.” The earthquake data collected by the new monitors will be shared with researchers and the public on a regular basis. The Geological Survey will also post updated maps of recent seismic activity online. Adapted from the Official News Release