Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
The ocean surface that was absolutely mirror-like before the earthquake became
agitated, and the water became dirty.
At Trujillo the earthquake was followed by pouring rain that damaged building
structures. The rain in Lambayeque and Chiclayo was even stronger, and continued
without interruption for 4 days. In the Sechura desert, where no single drop of water
ever falls, a river appeared.
39.
1835, February 20, approximately at 11 h 30 min.
A destructive earthquake and tsunami took place in the central part of Chile with
its source in the vicinity of Concepcion. Maybe it was preceded by foreshocks.
From the very beginning of the earthquake the water over the entire surface of
the Bay of Concepcion (Talcahuano) was boiling up. Bubbles of air or gas were
rising rapidly. The water became dark and smelled of the very unpleasant smell of
hydrogen sulphide.
After the earthquake and tsunami at the coasts of the central part of Chile, it is
possible that the catch of fish and of whales decreased.
40.
1840, January 28, 3 h.
In Lima a strong earthquake occurred, that was also felt in Chorrillos. It was
accompanied by a hurricane wind blowing from the south-west, and by a heavy
shower. In Chorrillos the ocean was so agitated, and the temperature of the air fell
so low, that on the shore bathing stopped and people looked for a shelter.
41.
1868, August 13, 16 h 45 min.
A destructive earthquake and catastrophic tsunami occurred with the source near
the coastal cities of south Peru. In literature, the tsunami is known as the Arica
tsunami.
During the earthquake the feeling was such as if the vessel were shaken by some
giant. Above the city there rose a dense cloud of dust, which soon spread out to
the ships (from the memoirs of Billings, who observed the events from the deck of
the American ship 'Watery').
When it became dark, at about 20 h 30 min, an enormous 'wall' of phospho-
rescenting and foaming water, mixed with sand, approached from the ocean with
a thunderous sound.
On the steamboat 'Taranaki', that approached Littleton on the 15th, it was no-
ticed at 55 km from the shore that the water became turbid; logs and fragments of
constructions floated.
Lake Titicaca was agitated as never before.
42.
1869, August 24, about 13 h 15 min.
The area, situated to the north of Itica along about 500 km, experienced a strong
earthquake that lasted a minute.
At the point 19
◦
17
S, 70
◦
21
W 5.5 km from the coast and 90 km from Arica at
a depth of 135 m the steamboat 'Le-Paita' experienced a strong seaquake that lasted
about 50 s. During the seaquake it was difficult to stay on one's legs; someone fell
off board; heavy objects fixed to the deck were jumping up and down a decimeter.
The ocean around the vessel, as far as one could see, seemed to boil; jets 40-60 cm
high were thrown up with a noise similar to the noise made by a strong rain at sea.
At the same time a low underground grumble was heard.
