The Historical Seismicity and Territorial Planning in Argentina
by
Graciela E. Tello
Neotectonic and Geomorphology Research Team, Institute of Geology, University of San Juan, Argentina
Coauthors: Perez Irene (Neotectonic and Geomorphology Research Team. Institute of Geology. University of San Juan. Argentina)

Argentina is a vast territory of significant seismic recording, extending from Jujuy (in the North) to Tierra del Fuego (in the South), diminishing to the East at 64' longitude west. The major concentration is observed in the northwest and central west regions.

The first historic, destructive seisms were dated in the XVI and XVIIth centuries, corresponding to the 1692 earthquake in Salta province and in 1782 in Mendoza province. Both intensities exceded VII on the Mercalli Scale(MMS). In the XIXth century, at least twelve(12) major seismic movements were recorded. In 1861, an earthquake destroyed the city of Mendoza, leaving 5000 fatalities, a signal which initiated a series of seismic events affecting the 'CUYO' region. Even though the earthquake of 1894, known as the 'ARGENTINE EARTHQUAKE', caused considerale damage and claimed few lives, it was felt within a radius of more than 3,000 sq. km..

During the XX Century, instrumental recordings of seismic movements has allowed for the registration of eighteen(18) seismic events, with a range of intensity between V and VI (MMS). On January 15th, 1944, an earthquake (apprx. degree IX -MMS) destroyed the city of San Juan and was perceived within a radius of 1,000sq. km., while leaving a devastating toll of 10,000 Victims and classifiying it as the worst natural disaster in Argentine history. Others important earthquakes, by its intensity and magnitude, are : 1977 (Caucete-San Juan) and 1985 (Mendoza).

In this new century, two outstanding events have been registered: May 28, 2002(La Rioja) and September 17, 2004(Catamarca) with intensities of VI and VII respectively and a magnitude of 6(Mb) on the Richter Scale.

All of this data indicates that the level of danger and potential seismic-risk of these regions is moderate to high. However-in some of these regions, authorities do not have access to any detailed study of the modern tectonic structures nor the characteristics of the ground, or the phreatic layer, nor is adequate territorial planning available so that public work projects and populated settlements can be carried out with the security required, in case of another natural disaster.

Key Words : Argentina, Historical Seismicity. Intensity. Damages and Effects. Territorial planning

Date received: November 19, 2004

Copyright © 2004 by the author(s). The author(s) of this document and the organizers of the conference have granted their consent to include this abstract in Atlas Conferences Inc. Document # caod-38.