Final answer:
The Memphis, Tennessee, metropolitan area could be at risk of destruction from a repeat of the 1811-1812 New Madrid, Missouri, earthquakes due to its proximity to the New Madrid Seismic Zone and the potential for liquefaction during earthquakes.
Step-by-step explanation:
A repeat of the 1811-1812 New Madrid, Missouri, earthquakes could be destructive to the Memphis, Tennessee, metropolitan area due to its proximity to the New Madrid Seismic Zone, which is capable of producing large and damaging earthquakes.
The New Madrid earthquakes were among the most powerful ever recorded in the United States, and they caused widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure.
The Memphis metropolitan area is located on the Mississippi River, which is prone to liquefaction during earthquakes, leading to ground shaking and potential damage to buildings and infrastructure.