The Barber County Earthquake of January 6, 1956

Abstract

A few minutes before 6 a.m. on January 6, 1956, south-central Kansas experienced the strongest earthquake to occur in the state since 1929. It was reported felt in south-central Kansas and northcentral Oklahoma; from Dodge City, Kansas, approximately 200 km (125 miles) east to Garden Plain, Kansas, and from Great Bend, Kansas, approximately 230 km (145 miles) south to Longdale, Oklahoma. The maximum effect was felt in the area delimited by Pratt and Coldwater, Kansas, and Alva, Oklahoma.

During this investigation the effects of the earthquake were determined and isoseismal lines were drawn (Fig. 1). The area was visited during the period of January 23 to 25, at which time residents in approximately 50 towns were questioned. The greatest amount of time was spent in the zones of intensity III to V (Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale of 1931). The early hour of occurrence hampered the investigation' somewhat, for it was difficult, especially in the zones of lower intensity, to find persons who were awake and who had felt the shock. Sheriff's offices and newspaper offices were visited, for they generally had been notified by anyone who felt the shock. Hospitals proved to be another good source of information.

At the end of January several areas adjacent to the limit of perceptibility, for which sufficient information had not been obtained, were investigated by mail, and at the end of February additional inquiries were sent to 15 towns in Oklahoma in order to define the southern limit of perceptibility.

The cooperation of all who were questioned is very much appreciated. It is the desire of the author to acknowledge in particular the aid of city and county officials and of newspaper publishers.