Chile's 1960 Earthquake - Case Study Example

Research Paper, History 19 September Chiles 1960 Earthquake What type of earth quake was it? The month of May 1960 will remain a noteworthy period in the world and especially in Chile and its society. The period being a time when Chile and most parts of the world experienced a disaster, it made governments more alert, especially in recovery processes and architectural planning of buildings and cities. The main earthquake of 22 May 1960 was preceded by foreshocks; on the Saturday of 21 May, southern Chile was hit by a series of earthquakes, the greatest recorded that day was a magnitude 7.5 “whose foci lie within a band 1,300 km long, between latitudes 37deg and 48 deg S” (USGS, usgs.gov). It was what first ravaged the surrounding, but later other series of shocks were recorded. According to Housner, these series had magnitudes of “6.5, 7.5, 7.8, and 7.5 respectively, which occurred before the main shock, and in 22nd may the instrument recorded a shock assessed at magnitude of 8.4 and 8.5; this time round originating at latitude 38 ° S and longitude 73.5 ° W” (219) . Some sources published the magnitude to be approximately 9.5, but all have shown to have originated from a point in the southern coast of Chile. Chile’s earthquake was no doubt a tectonic type, as demonstrated by aftermath of the shocks. Based on the plate tectonic theory, the earth’s outer shell is composed of rigid plates that can diverge, converge, or slide (transform) past each other, where the effect of the grinding plates is the release of energy from the strain and cause of earthquakes (Ryan, Ross and Greymer 38). Following the earthquake “Nazca-South America plate boundary tore over a 1000 KM fault rapture to generate a huge tsunami” (Castanos and Lomnitz 16). The effect was visible on the changed land and sea levels. A progressive fault line could be detected afterwards stretching to the south in the areas that were affected by the shock. Due to the fault created after plate’s rapture, some changes occurred in Valdivia region. There was land subsidence of 1.5 meters and coastal uplift in the northern region by I meter, least to mention the various landslides (Housner 219). What type of Tsunami came with the earthquakes? The earthquake generated a distant tsunami that came to affect wide areas in the United States and as far as Asia. Distant tsunamis are known to originate from long distance parts of the pacific ocean or Alaska (e.g. more than 1000 KM) and their waves travel for many hours in high tides, highly affecting zones A (North Coast and Haida Gwaii), B and C. Considering that the earthquake occurred at the southern pacific along Chile’s coast, created over 1000 km fault line along the coast, and generated high tides that travelled for hours to destroy distance lands as far as California and Japan, it can be best described to have caused a distant tsunami. According to USGC, ocean tides around Valdivia ranged 25 m, California’s (in Crescent city) highest at 1.7 m and Japan greater than 6 m (usgs.gov). Earthquake Consequences in the Chile and South America Landslides and blockage of rivers Chile is among those countries that experience earthquakes at high frequencies in a given number of years. The 1960 megaqauke caused coseismic uplift of Chile’s regions, which was repeated again in the peninsula regions in 2010 shock (Kelson et al. 47). Coastal uplift and subsidence of land occurred as stated earlier, which contributed to destruction of property along shores. The tremble also caused massive landslides in Chile, which rendered some roads and specific rivers impassable. Other than high waves rushing into Valdivia lands, San Pedro river was blocked by a landslide and due to timely excavation failure of a channel to release the building’s water pressure, the river eventually flooded over the landslide to cause further damages to Valdivia (Castano and Lomnitz 16). Damage of property At the time period and the building code that existed, most buildings and homes were not strong enough to withstand such strong earth shakes. Thousands of homes were destroyed leaving majority of people homeless, destroyed shipping docks, capsizing of several water vessels along the pacific coast in the south, crumbled businesses and damaged industries and factories infrastructure to stop or slow their operations. The city of Concepcion was not spared too; high buildings were struck by the earthquake, vehicles and some aircrafts swayed aside by the tilting of the land and damaged oil exploration equipment to affect production. As far as Chiloe Island, both Castro and Ancud cathedrals were ripped apart. The approximated damage in Chile was worth over half a billion US dollars. Most of the damages along the coast and Valdivia were accelerated by the tsunami’s effect minutes later, destroying the poor banks and uprooting the houses along the shore. Deaths Concepcion city and other owns near the coast experienced the wrath more than other inland locations. Valdivia region, towns like Puerto Saavedra, and villages on the lower parts of the coast were heavily ravaged by the earthquake and later flood by the high tides, which contributed to many deaths. According to Fujii and Sakate, in the evaluation of geodetic data, approximately “1655 people were killed, 3000 injured and 200000 displaced in Chile” (from drowning/crushing) (1495). This number could be rated small compared to today due to the small population at the time. Drowned forest The forest in Chiloe became drowned, which made it almost impossible to sustain life for lower plants. A land recognized for food production like potatoes for decades became marshy, wet and other parts flooded enough to destroy the planted crops. Logs of trees lay down in the forest uprooted and others titled as the soil absorbed much water and the surface became weaker. Volcanic eruption The series of earthquakes must have triggered the eruption of puyehue volcano. Chile was already in a shock after the tsunami and earthquake, but the violent eruption on 24 May contributed to further displacement of families in communities around the volcano. Other than fear for people’s lives, the plume of ash forced out affected the farming activities of the farmers in the neighborhood and the purity of running rivers as blackish objects settled. It also further interfered with some roads and Concepcion air transport due to impaired visibility and ash cover on the roads among other buildings and operating vehicles. Other than Chile, the earthquake reached parts of Argentina on the Andes causing landslides. The volcanic eruption also interfered with activities and changed the atmosphere on the neighboring parts of Argentina. Consequences in other Countries all around the Globe USA in California The effect of the earthquake triggered radiating tsunami waves into the west coast of the United States. Waves swept across the Californian coast in angles, destroying buildings across as far as possible. First, the seismic waves from Chile travelled across the continent along North America’s west coast through Hawaii, recorded in central California before moving further to circle the earth. The city of San Diego was in ruins after tidal flooding from the Ocean. Tides “1.5 meters high caused strong currents that damaged piers to temporarily halt ferry services to Coronado” (Agnew n.p.). In San Diego harbor, “waves of 0.7 m were experienced, which destroyed 80 m of dock, 8 small boat slips, broke several ship and barges free of their mooring” (PIANC 21). The effect could have been worse, but the angle which the waves approached the crescent city of California assisted to reduce the force and mitigate the damage. However, most boats at the shore were damaged, several vessels sunk, and flooding occurred. The vulnerable port of Los Angeles also suffered increased water bodies and destruction of property along Long Beach. The tsunami resulted in collision of water vessels at the port, ravaging them into parts that went afloat or washed up in piles. Considering the gas spillage, sunk boats and damage at the port, about US $ I million losses occurred (PIANC 21). Oil exploration equipment was also destroyed in Santa Barbara among other areas, yet the number of deaths reported from California was low. Some people were left homeless after destruction of their dwellings, while many businesses ashore in San Diego harbor, Crescent city, Long beach, Los Angeles port and San Francisco, especially dealing with water vessels were destroyed. Hawaii Deadly tsunamis had stuck Hawaii in the past; some did little damage while others destroyed the lives of people and Hawaii’s economy. Specific places of Hawaii like Hilo bay and along river Wailuku lie at risk of future tsunamis. When Chile’s originating tsunami swept Valdivia, Hawaii being next on line experienced high bashing waves that came in intervals. While Chile’s tsunami took time to move across the Pacific Ocean, the United States coast and geodetic survey had enough time to alert the society, especially in Hilo, which was the place of the expected waves (Atwater et al., usgs.gov). Hawaii and Chile are hundreds of kilometers away and this would take hours for the tsunami waves to travel, therefore sufficient time for people to move to safer grounds. Destruction of Hilo bay: The first few waves that hit Hilo at midnight of the 22nd were a few meters high (suggested to be less that 7), which had no much effect. Though the waves left their homes still intact, some people did not heed the warnings and opted to move back to their houses within the short time when the waves calmed. An hour later, low rumbling noise could be heard, yet most could not determine the source. This is when the largest waves (approximately 20 m high) with tumbling noise dropped on Hilo bay and began moving further inland to the city; majority of those who had moved back to their homes perished and survivors experienced devastating injuries (Atwater et al., usgs.gov). About sixty one people lost their lives, least to mention the 282 injured all around Hawaii (Atwater et al., usgs.gov). The city of Hilo is located on the lower coast and Hilo bay stood at a high risk from the Ocean and River Wailuku flooding. The largest waves and speed of the tsunami across the Pacific were fast enough to pour into Hilo bay like a pool crushing and uprooting structures. It left a significant economic damage worth approximately US$ 24 million then (PIANC 24). The vibration from the tsunami allowed the moving waves to generate high amplitudes pounding of the waves, such that as they bounced at Hilo bay, the force utterly destroyed the parking meters and weak buildings made from wooden frames. These rising waves contained heavy debris, together which destroyed the bay’s fence and docking area. Only the strong buildings constructed from steel and concrete remained standing while other structures were uprooted from their foundations, turned upside down, crushed or floated away (PIANC 24). From the existing pictures in Hilo bay area, many foundations of buildings, scattered piles of wood or metal and wrecked structures and equipment could be depicted. Businesses were destroyed in the flood in Hilo bay and others in Hawaii’s island. River Wailuku and Hilo power plant: A city that was well served through the bay and electricity went dark and drained economically. From Waiakea town, the popular Japanese community had a thriving economy, but within two hours, they lost their businesses. A public clock that had served for decades stopped at 1:04 AM of 23rd May when the largest wave hit Hilo and today remains a monument in memory of the tsunami disaster (“The Pacific” 28). It also burst Hilo electric power dimming the entire city and caused oil spillage on the water surface from the damaged plant. Unlike the previous tsunami then, the River Wailuku Bridge was not destroyed, but the water level increased to more than 7 m high at one time, before restoring back to its normal capacity. Luckily, no people died out of the river’s flooding. Japan It’s another risky country frequently hit by earthquakes and tsunamis both locally and remotely generated. Past Hawaii Island, it took close to 8 hours (22 hours from origin) to reach Japan, but the waves had subsided to a range of 5 to 10 m high (“The great” 2). Luckily, the earlier warning made to the people of Onagawa gave them opportunity to move to higher grounds before major waves struck. Despite the variation in the recorded number of deaths, 142 people were estimated dead (some bodies were found while others went missing), and none died from Onagawa (Atwater et al., usgs.gov). Damaged parts: Oma and Susaki city are ranked as hazardous areas to tsunami attacks. Both were victims of tsunami flooding, which went to cause serious damages to the houses. The flood breached Oma’ embankments and destroyed a timber yard in the neighborhood, while an over flown river Susaki posed a greater danger to the residents. Due to the vibration of the earthquake, Ofutano city experienced surface disturbance. Later, tsunami flooding “inundated the rice field 2 km away from the coast” affecting the crop cultivation (PIANC 19). From Onagawa, the residents watched down the waves destroy their property and home structures through the floating wood. In general, 137 vessels were damaged, while 151 and 1046 houses were inundated and damaged respectively (PIANC 18). Philippines The tidal waves and storm from Chile thousands of miles away caused flooding on the roads, setting the water level quite high that smaller vehicles were submerged. About 32 people were reported dead from the incidence (McKinnon io9.com). Australia There were records of high tides that hit places like Japan and Hawaii, but the water level changed along the coastal region in places like Sydney harbor, and in enclosed waters like rivers. Low lying lands and roads close to the ocean or sea were submerged by the generated currents, especially along Batemans bay. Only little damage was done, and this came from few sunk and broken mooring of the boats, and damage to oyster industry in Bateman and Hawkesbury River (SES 18-19). New Zealand Further from Australia, changes of water lever occurred in New Zealand. With early detections of the tsunami, the people were alerted in various locations. Locations like Cape Reinga, regions of Ahipara and Stewart Island experienced maximums of 5 m rise of sea level. According to SES, other than inundations of roads, paddocks and a few houses, bridges, harbor facilities, sheds and boats were wrecked and livestock were killed (9). Chile’s earthquake had generated seismic waves that moved in series across the world. Due to the movement of the ocean floor, the tsunami generated along chile-peru coast moved at high speed across the Pacific Ocean, pounding heavily in Vadivia then Hawaii and California, before slowing down to affect Japan, Philippines, Australia and New Zealand. There were other affected regions like Alaska and Oregon along the west coast of the United States, but these had just minor effects. The aftermath records showed that approximately 5700 people lost their lives, damage worth 675.5 (around US $ 4.7 billion in the modern value) million dollars occurred, over 3000 were injured and 2 million left homeless across the globe (“The great” 1). Recovery and Rescue Process Many people who moved to higher grounds were safe. Others moved to their relatives in places that were not destroyed by the tsunami. Chile’s government as it stood attempted to bring together the affected populations in one location for basic supplies, while still progressing in rescue operations together with volunteering public members. Japan recovery: the government sought to protect the people and property from further damage by such tsunami in future. In response, a 10 m high tidal gate and 4.5 m seawall were raised (Norman radionz.co.nz). International aid: Chile in a state of ruins was supported by foreign governments to get back to track. With their economy, homes, businesses and crops destroyed, people needed temporary shelters, food supplies and medical treatment for the many that were injured. Canada was at forefront as it aided in delivery of relief foods to South America in the affected regions. It offered military aircrafts that were used to supply tones of relief food and social amenities like blankets and beddings to destinations like Santiago, Puerto Montt and Victoria (National Defense and Canadian Forces, forces.gc.ca). These aircrafts flew several trips in days after the tsunami and volcanic eruption, ensuring that people accessed the basic amenities they required. Others helped move stuck people from unsafe zones on their trip back and helped moved medical supplies to affected zones, and medical equipment needed in Victoria hospital. The United States government provided mobile hospitals staffed with doctors and nurses for medical services to residents (Parshall, keepapitchinin.org). Change of engineering code: Based on the impact of the earthquake and tsunami in Chile and places like California, the governments needed better architectural plans that would withstand such disasters in future. Strict engineering codes were enforced in Chile, which required strong construction material of steel bars and concrete, to construct buildings that would withstand the 9 magnitudes or more seismic wave (Castanos and Lomnitz 17). The procedures have since been followed and with new technologies, buildings are much stronger unless faulty materials are used. Missionary church efforts helped residents rebuild their homes, while the Chilean Red Cross served in capacities of relief supply distribution at the local level. Valdivia and other regions were rebuilt progressively through collaboration of aid from European nations and Chile’s neighboring countries using the new code. Works Cited Agnew, D.C. “Tsunami History of San Diego.” ucsd.edu. n.d. Web. 17 September 2014. Atwater, B. F., Cisternas, M.V., Bourgeois, J., Dudley, W.C., Hendley II, J.W., and Stauffer, P.H. “Surviving a Tsunami – Lessons from Chile, Hawaii and Japan.” 2005. Web. 18 September 2014. Castaños H. and Lomnitz, C. “Chapter 2: The Great 1960 Chile Megaquake,”Earthquake Disasters in Latin America: A holistic Approach (2012): 15-20. Print. Fujii, Y. and Sakate, K. “Slip Distribution and Seismic Moment of the 2010 and 1960 Chilean Earthquakes Inferred from Tsunami Waveforms and Coastal Geodetic Data.” Pure and Applied Geophysics, 170 (2013): 1493- 1509. Housner, G. W. “An Engineering Report of the Chilean Earthquake of May 1960.” Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America, 53. 2 (1963): 219- 223. Kelson, K., Witter, M.R.C., Tassara, A., Ryder, I., Ledezma, C., Montalva, G., Frost, M. D., Sitar, M.N., Moss, M.R. and Johnson, L. “Coseismic Tectonic Surface Deformation during the 2010 Maule, Chile, Mw 8.8 Earthquake,” Earthquake Spectra, 28. S1 (2012): S39-S54. McKinnon, M. “How Big Can an Earthquake Get? In 1960 Chile Found Out,” io9.com. 22 May 2014. Web. 19 September 2014. National Defense and Canadian Forces. “Details/Information for Canadian forces (CF) Operation Chile 1960,” forces.gc.ca. 28 November 2008. Web. 19 September 2014. Norman, C. “Japan Rebuilds Tsunami Torn Towns,” radionz.co.nz. 29 June 2014. Web. 19 September 2014. Parshall, A. E. “El Gran Terremoto de Valdivia,” keepapitchinin.org. 6 April 2009. Web. 18 September 2014. PIANC. Mitigation of Tsunami Disasters in Ports. Brussels: PIANC secretariat general. 2010. Print. Ryan, H. F., Ross, S. L. and Graymer, R. W. “Earthquakes, Faults and Tectonics,” usgs.gov. n.d. Web. 18 September 2014. SES. “Measurement and Impacts of the Chilean Tsunami of May 1960 in New South Wales, Australia,” nsw.gov.au. April 2009.Web. 19 September 2014. “The Great Chilean Earthquake of 1960,” msu.edu. n.d. Web. 19 September 2014. “The Pacific Tsunami Museum: Through Stories We Remember… and Learn,”discovertsunamis.org. n.d. Web. 18 September 2014. USGS. “Historic Earthquakes Chile 1960 May 22 19:11:14 UTC Magnitude 9.5: The Largest Earthquake in the World,” usgs.gov, 1 November 2012. Web. 18 September 2014. Read More