translated from Spanish: “There is likely to be a tsunami in Tierra del Fuego and Santa Cruz”

“Conditions are given for a tsunami to be caused in the South Atlantic Coast at some point.” This was the alarming phrase shot by geologist and doctor of natural sciences, Jorge Rabassa, which stands out at the Southern Center for Scientific Research (CADIC) and CONICET.” There’s a lot of ignorance about the subject, but I’m still trying to raise awareness. Earthquakes and tsunamis exist, and are possible in our country. In 1898, Mendoza was completely destroyed by an earthquake and San Juan suffered it forty-six years later,” he said, and stated that a “goal” of naturalization could be Tierra del Fuego and Santa Cruz.

Lake Fagnano, the one pointed out by the geologist for its formation from seismic movements.

“It would not be far-fetched to think that it would have influenced some seismic movement because there is Lake Fagnano, which is the largest in Tierra del Fuego. This lake has been formed following the trace of a fracture known as the Magellan Fault. It’s a fragment of bark that when rubbed with another portion can release energy so powerful as to cause an earthquake,” he said. Among other research carried out by the Rabassa team, he noted that in that area occur between “ten thousand and twelve thousand sixsms per year”, in an area that has an extension from the Chilean Pacific to the South Georgian Islands and South Sandwich.” In 1949 the Strait of Magellan and the west coast of Tierra del Fuego suffered a earthquake of 7.9, one of the strongest that have existed since having measuring instruments in Argentina,” Rabassa added, awakening an alert that no one was predicted.

Original source in Spanish