Earthquake location requires lesson in geography

By Gary Clothier

Question: I was told an earthquake in Madrid was the strongest ever felt in North America. How is that possible?

N.H., Bar Harbor, Maine

Answer: I bet are you thinking of Madrid, Spain. The strongest earthquake in North America happened in New Madrid, Mo., in the 1800s.

The earthquake was actually a series of three severe earthquakes that would have measured in excess of magnitude 8 on the Richter scale, had there been a Richter scale back then. Collectively, the rumblings are known as the New Madrid earthquakes. The first quake hit on Dec. 16, 1811; the second occurred on Jan. 23, 1812; and the third, the strongest of the three, was on Feb. 7, 1812. Tremors continued for several months after the final quake. The vibrations were felt as far north as Boston and as far south as Mexico. For a time, the Mississippi River flowed backward, river islands disappeared and lakes formed where there had been none before.

The San Francisco earthquake of 1906, which measured 8.3 on the Richter scale, was felt in an area of 6,200 square miles. The New Madrid earthquakes were felt in an area of 1 million square miles. Because of the sparseness of the area at the time, there was little property damage and few deaths. Scientists say it's not a matter of if another earthquake will hit the area, but when. When it does, the loss figures will be a bit different.

Question: What was the first book printed in the American colonies?

D.S., Norfolk, Neb.

Answer: About 1,700 copies of "The Bay Psalm Book," written by Stephen Daye, were printed in 1640. A book dealer tells me this is one of the most valuable books in the English language. By the way, the full name of the book is "The Whole Booke of Psalmes Faithfully Translated Into English Metre."

Question: I know of several athletes with the nickname Dizzy. I once came across the name used for a politician. I think it was an affectionate term. Who was the statesman?

J.L., Midland, Texas

Answer: Friends of former English Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli called him Dizzy.

Question: We recently toured England and visited Royal Leamington Spa. We were told this was the only town in England permitted to use the word "royal" in its name. I never asked why. Can you answer this for me?

G.G.H., Bakersfield, Calif.

Answer: There are two other cities with royal names: Royal Tunbridge Wells and Royal Wootton Bassett. The reigning monarch decides if a town will be granted the "royal" title.

Royal Leamington Spa was granted its title in 1838 by Queen Victoria. The spa town was a frequent stop for royal families.

Question: In relationship to current-day geography, where is Mesopotamia? Does the name have a meaning?

H.E.C., Chandler, Ariz.

Answer: In Greek, Mesopotamia means "between two rivers." Those rivers are the Tigris and Euphrates. Mesopotamia is mostly located in present-day Iraq.

Question: I'm certain that when I was a kid, I used to see an automobile license plate labeled "the Iodine State." No one believes me. Am I correct?

D.E.J., Pine Bluff, Ark.

Answer: You are. Before it was called the Palmetto State, South Carolina was known as the Iodine State. Sometime in the 1920s, it was discovered that South Carolina soil had a high concentration of iodine, and fruits and vegetables grown in the state had a much higher level of this necessary nutrient.

Question: John Wayne fought in Native American wars, the Civil War, World War II and in Vietnam -- in the movies. What about in real life? Did he serve during World War II?

L.G, Cape Coral, Fla.

Answer: No. Because he was a father of four and his mother relied wholly on his financial support, he did not have to serve in the military.

Send your questions to Mr. Know-It-All at AskMrKIA@gmail.com or c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.