Jump to content

1888 Río de la Plata earthquake: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 34°36′S 57°54′W / 34.6°S 57.9°W / -34.6; -57.9
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
c/es
m script-assisted date audit and style fixes per MOS:NUM
 
(47 intermediate revisions by 33 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Earthquake between Argentina and Uruguay}}
[[Image:Plata buenos aires montevideo map.PNG|thumb|Estuary of the Río de la Plata, natural boundary between Uruguay and Argentina.]]
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2024}}
[[Image:Rio de la Plata BA 2.JPG|thumb|A satellite view of the estuary, as seen from the northwest.]]
{{more footnotes|date=June 2011}}
⚫
The '''1988 Río de la Plata earthquake''' occurred on June 5, 1888, measuring 5.5 on the [[Richter scale]], and shook the upper [[Río de la Plata]] at 3:20 [[UTC-3]]. The epicentre was located at {{coord|34|36|0|S|57|53|59|W|}}, {{convert|15|km|mi|0}} southwest of [[Colonia del Sacramento]] ([[Uruguay]]) and {{convert|42|km|mi|0}} east of [[Buenos Aires]] ([[Argentina]]), with a [[hypocentre]] at a depth of {{convert|30|km|mi|0}}.
{{Infobox earthquake
⚫
|title= 1888 Río de la Plata earthquake
|map2= {{Location map
|Uruguay|relief=1
|position=none
|lat =-34.6
|long =-57.9
|width= 240
|float=center
|mark=Bullseye1.svg
|marksize=30
|caption=
}}
|local-date= {{start date|df=yes|1888|6|5}}
|local-time=
|timestamp=1888-06-05
|pre-1900=yes
|magnitude=5.5 [[Surface wave magnitude|M<sub>s</sub>]]
|depth= {{convert|30|km|mi|0}}
|type=[[Intraplate earthquake|Intraplate]]
|location={{coord|-34.6|-57.9|format=dms|display=inline,title|region:UY}}<ref name="Ceresis">{{cite web|url=http://www.ceresis.org/portal/catal_hipo.php |title=Catálogo de Hipocentros (1520–1991) |last=Ceresis |language=Spanish |accessdate=6 June 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720150121/http://www.ceresis.org/portal/catal_hipo.php |archivedate=20 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|countries affected=[[Argentina]], [[Uruguay]]
| intensity = {{MMI|VI}}
|casualties=
}}
⚫
The '''1888 Río de la Plata earthquake''' occurred on 5 June measuring 5.5 on the [[Richter scale]], and shook the upper [[Río de la Plata]] at 3:20 [[UTC-3]]. The epicentre was located {{convert|15|km|mi|0}} southwest of [[Colonia del Sacramento]] ([[Uruguay]]) and {{convert|42|km|mi|0}} east of [[Buenos Aires]] ([[Argentina]]), with a [[hypocentre]] at a depth of {{convert|30|km|mi|0}}.<ref name="Ceresis"/>


== Newspaper articles ==
== Newspaper articles ==
On June 5 1888 the [[Montevideo]] journal ''La Tribuna Popular'' reported the earthquake and its effects: ''The houses' woodwork creaked loudly, lamps swung, furniture moved and paintings fell off walls. Glassware objects broke and porcelain could be seen jolting out of cupboards. Astonished at the strong earthquake, inhabitants have had a sleepless night...''
On 5 June 1888, the [[Montevideo]] journal ''La Tribuna Popular'' reported the earthquake and its effects: ''The houses' woodwork creaked loudly, lamps swung, furniture moved and paintings fell off walls. Glassware objects broke and porcelain could be seen jolting out of cupboards. Astonished at the strong earthquake, inhabitants have had a sleepless night...''


Also, a Colonia del Sacramento local journal ''La Lucha'' reported on a particular event: ''The steamer 'Saturno' en route from the neighbouring country's capital (Buenos Aires) was calmly sailing in {{convert|20|ft|m|0}} of water along the centre of the channel when she came to a sudden halt, as though she had run aground. The captain had soundings taken but the vessel, as if moved by some hidden force, was freed from the ground and continued on her way.''[[Image:River Plate.jpg|thumb|right|270px|Satellite view of the estuary of the Río de la Plata. North bank:Uruguay. South bank: Argentina]]
Also, a Colonia del Sacramento local journal ''La Lucha'' reported on a particular event: ''The steamer 'Saturno' en route from the neighbouring country's capital (Buenos Aires) was calmly sailing in {{convert|20|ft|m|0}} of water along the centre of the channel when she came to a sudden halt, as though she had run aground. The captain had soundings taken but the vessel, as if moved by some hidden force, was freed from the ground and continued on her way.''
[[File:River Plate.jpg|thumb|240px|Satellite view of the estuary of the Río de la Plata. North bank:Uruguay. South bank: Argentina]]


== Consequences ==
== Consequences ==
Every settlement along the Río de la Plata's shore was affected, especially the cities of Buenos Aires and Montevideo. Only slight damage occurred since there were no high buildings or underground trains in those cities at the time.
Every settlement along the Río de la Plata's shore was affected, especially the cities of Buenos Aires and Montevideo. Only slight damage occurred since there were no high buildings or underground trains in those cities at the time.
However, at no time since this earthquake have antiseismic building measures been taken in either of the two nations. This is particularly worrying since a major 42&nbsp;km [http://www.puentep-laracolonia.com.ar/ingles/cooperacion/informe.html Buenos Aires-Colonia bridge] is being planned for the near future.
However, at no time since this earthquake have antiseismic building measures been taken in either of the two nations.


== Background, precedents and provisions ==
== Background, precedents and provisions ==
The panic caused by this earthquake among the inhabitants of both banks of Río de la Plata was marked, because they were unfamiliar with seismic events, as are today’s inhabitants. However, a previous event had been recorded: the 15 August 1848 earthquake which, just as that of 1888, caused no major damage and may have been seen as an isolated phenomenon or since its epicentre was faraway from the continent and thus distant from settlements, it may have been considered that future quakes would probably occur in those latitudes and cause no damage on the continent.
The panic caused by this earthquake among the inhabitants of both banks of Río de la Plata was marked, because they were unfamiliar with seismic events, as are today's inhabitants. However, a previous event had been recorded: the 15 August 1848 earthquake which, just as that of 1888, caused no major damage and may have been seen as an isolated phenomenon or since its epicentre was faraway from the continent and thus distant from settlements, it may have been considered that future quakes would probably occur in those latitudes and cause no damage on the continent.
It is worth mentioning, though, that there are no aseismic regions in the world. Such an event could therefore happen again in the River Plate as evidenced by the 26th June 1988 and 10 January 1990 earthquakes, the latter being the only one registered on Uruguayan mainland territory. [[Image:Plates tect2 en.svg|thumb|350px|The major tectonic plates of the world.]]
It is worth mentioning, though, that there are no aseismic regions in the world. Such an event could therefore happen again in the River Plate as evidenced by 26 June 1988 and 10 January 1990 earthquakes, the latter being the only one registered on Uruguayan mainland territory.

These earthquakes are believed to have originated in a particular region, the [[Punta del Este]] basin, which is highly faulted and where tectonic plates might experience certain movement thus causing the earthquake waves, according to Alberto Benavides Sosa MGEOPHYS, agronomical enineer and former president of [http://www.ceresis.org CERESIS] (Seismology Regional Centre for South America)
These earthquakes are believed to have originated in a particular region, the [[Punta del Este]] basin, which is highly faulted and where tectonic plates might experience certain movement thus causing the earthquake waves, according to Alberto Benavídez Sosa MGEOPHYS, agronomical engineer and former president of CERESIS (Seismology Regional Centre for South America)
Earthquakes in the easternmost edge of the [[Pacific]] [[tectonic plates]] can occasionally be felt in the Argentine [[Atlantic]] coast, including Buenos Aires and only rarely on the Uruguayan coast.
Earthquakes in the easternmost edge of the [[Pacific]] [[tectonic plates]] can occasionally be felt in the Argentine [[Atlantic]] coast, including Buenos Aires and only rarely on the Uruguayan coast.


== Source ==
==See also==
⚫
* [[List of earthquakes in Argentina]]
Translated from [[:es:Terremoto del Río de la Plata 1888]], [[Wikipedia]] in [[Spanish language|Spanish]].
⚫
* [[List of historical earthquakes]]


==References==
Taken fron the article '[http://www.elpais.com.uy/Registro/Login.asp?refacc=0&vurl=%2FSuple%2FDS%2F07%2F05%2F27%2Fsds%5F282857%2Easp&erracc=99&url_qs= Terremoto en Uruguay, quizas]', published in El Pais of Montevideo, by Gabriela Vaz (27 May 2007)
{{Reflist}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
* CERESIS (Seismology Regional Centre for South America) http://www.ceresis.org
* CERESIS (Seismology Regional Centre for South America) http://www.ceresis.org
* Assignment Report for the Buenos Aires-Colonia Bridge Project. http://www.puentep-laracolonia.com.ar/ingles/cooperacion/informe.html
* Assignment Report for the Buenos Aires-Colonia Bridge Project. https://web.archive.org/web/20051108193845/http://www.puentep-laracolonia.com.ar/ingles/cooperacion/informe.html
* Benavides Sosa, Alberto. ''Seismicity and Seismotectonics in Uruguay''(Spanish) http://www.ucm.es/BUCM/revistas/fis/02144557/articulos/FITE9898110167A.PDF
* Benavídez Sosa, Alberto. ''Seismicity and Seismotectonics in Uruguay''(Spanish) http://www.ucm.es/BUCM/revistas/fis/02144557/articulos/FITE9898110167A.PDF


[[Category:Earthquakes in Uruguay]]
{{Earthquakes in the 1800s}}
⚫
[[Category:Earthquakes in Argentina]]
⚫
[[Category:1888 natural disasters]]
⚫
[[Category:1888 earthquakes]]
⚫
[[Category:1888 in Uruguay]]
⚫
[[Category:1888 in Argentina]]


{{DEFAULTSORT:1888 Rio De La Plata Earthquake}}
[[de:Erdbeben im Gebiet des Río de la Plata 1888]]
[[Category:Geology of Buenos Aires Province]]
⚫
[[es:Terremoto del Río de la Plata de 1888]]
[[Category:Earthquakes in South America]]
[[pl:Trzęsienie ziemi w regionie La Platy (1888)]]
⚫
[[Category:Natural disasters in Uruguay]]
⚫
[[Category:Earthquakes in Argentina|1888]]
[[Category:1888 earthquakes|Rio De La Plata Earthquake, 1888]]
[[Category:1888 in Uruguay|Rio De La Plata Earthquake, 1888]]
[[Category:1888 in Argentina|Rio De La Plata Earthquake, 1888]]
[[Category:June 1888 events]]
[[Category:1888 disasters in Argentina]]
⚫
[[Category:1888 disasters in Uruguay]]

Latest revision as of 04:56, 25 October 2024

1888 Río de la Plata earthquake
1888 Río de la Plata earthquake is located in Uruguay
1888 Río de la Plata earthquake
UTC time1888-06-05
Local date5 June 1888 (1888-06-05)
Magnitude5.5 Ms
Depth30 kilometres (19 mi)
Epicenter34°36′S 57°54′W / 34.6°S 57.9°W / -34.6; -57.9[1]
TypeIntraplate
Areas affectedArgentina, Uruguay
Max. intensityMMI VI (Strong)

The 1888 Río de la Plata earthquake occurred on 5 June measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale, and shook the upper Río de la Plata at 3:20 UTC-3. The epicentre was located 15 kilometres (9 mi) southwest of Colonia del Sacramento (Uruguay) and 42 kilometres (26 mi) east of Buenos Aires (Argentina), with a hypocentre at a depth of 30 kilometres (19 mi).[1]

Newspaper articles

[edit]

On 5 June 1888, the Montevideo journal La Tribuna Popular reported the earthquake and its effects: The houses' woodwork creaked loudly, lamps swung, furniture moved and paintings fell off walls. Glassware objects broke and porcelain could be seen jolting out of cupboards. Astonished at the strong earthquake, inhabitants have had a sleepless night...

Also, a Colonia del Sacramento local journal La Lucha reported on a particular event: The steamer 'Saturno' en route from the neighbouring country's capital (Buenos Aires) was calmly sailing in 20 feet (6 m) of water along the centre of the channel when she came to a sudden halt, as though she had run aground. The captain had soundings taken but the vessel, as if moved by some hidden force, was freed from the ground and continued on her way.

Satellite view of the estuary of the Río de la Plata. North bank:Uruguay. South bank: Argentina

Consequences

[edit]

Every settlement along the Río de la Plata's shore was affected, especially the cities of Buenos Aires and Montevideo. Only slight damage occurred since there were no high buildings or underground trains in those cities at the time. However, at no time since this earthquake have antiseismic building measures been taken in either of the two nations.

Background, precedents and provisions

[edit]

The panic caused by this earthquake among the inhabitants of both banks of Río de la Plata was marked, because they were unfamiliar with seismic events, as are today's inhabitants. However, a previous event had been recorded: the 15 August 1848 earthquake which, just as that of 1888, caused no major damage and may have been seen as an isolated phenomenon or since its epicentre was faraway from the continent and thus distant from settlements, it may have been considered that future quakes would probably occur in those latitudes and cause no damage on the continent. It is worth mentioning, though, that there are no aseismic regions in the world. Such an event could therefore happen again in the River Plate as evidenced by 26 June 1988 and 10 January 1990 earthquakes, the latter being the only one registered on Uruguayan mainland territory.

These earthquakes are believed to have originated in a particular region, the Punta del Este basin, which is highly faulted and where tectonic plates might experience certain movement thus causing the earthquake waves, according to Alberto Benavídez Sosa MGEOPHYS, agronomical engineer and former president of CERESIS (Seismology Regional Centre for South America) Earthquakes in the easternmost edge of the Pacific tectonic plates can occasionally be felt in the Argentine Atlantic coast, including Buenos Aires and only rarely on the Uruguayan coast.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Ceresis. "Catálogo de Hipocentros (1520–1991)" (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 20 July 2011. Retrieved 6 June 2011.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=1888_Río_de_la_Plata_earthquake&oldid=1253276265"