Why Has Missouri’s New Madrid Fault Suddenly Gone Silent?

This might sound odd, but I feel better when I see regular quakes along the New Madrid Fault in southern Missouri. February was an extremely odd month as that region has nearly gone silent. What in the world is going on?

Every month I take a look at activity in the New Madrid Seismic Zone in southern Missouri. Normally, you'll see an average of 1 or 2 quakes per day. Not so in February. I ran a search of the USGS earthquake page to see how many measurable quakes were confirmed in or near Missouri during that time and only a handful showed up. Only 13 February quakes for the New Madrid Fault. 

Why is the New Madrid Fault suddenly silent?

Keep in mind that I am NOT a seismologist, but I do have some contacts at the USGS that I've spoken with over the years. My admittedly 2nd grade level understanding is that smaller quakes are good along the New Madrid as they are a release of energy. Generally speaking, when there are no quakes, that means energy could be building up leading to a major event.

Let me be clear that I am NOT saying the inactivity of February in southern Missouri means a big quake is imminent. Science does not currently allow us a way to see that. But, I would much prefer to see lots of little quakes instead of wondering if that highly-active seismic area is preparing to unleash a very bad day on us all.