Title: The source of the 1722 Algarve earthquake: evidence from MCS and Tsunami data
Author(s): Baptista, MA (Baptista, M. A.); Miranda, JM (Miranda, J. M.); Lopes, FC (Lopes,
Fernando C.); Luis, JF (Luis, Joaquim F.)
Source: JOURNAL
OF
SEISMOLOGY Volume: 11 Issue: 4 Pages: 371380 DOI: 10.1007/s10950-007-9058-y Published: OCT 2007
Abstract: The 27 December 1722 Algarve earthquake destroyed a large area in southern Portugal
generating a local tsunami that inundated the shallow areas of Tavira. It is unclear whether its source
was located onshore or offshore and, in any case, what was the tectonic source responsible for the
event. We analyze available historical information concerning macroseismicity and the tsunami to
discuss the most probable location of the source. We also review available seismotectonic
knowledge of the offshore region close to the probable epicenter, selecting a set of four candidate
sources. We simulate tsunamis produced by these candidate sources assuming that the sea bottom
displacement is caused by a compressive dislocation over a rectangular fault, as given by the halfspace homogeneous elastic approach, and we use numerical modeling to study wave propagation and
run-up. We conclude that the 27 December 1722 Tavira earthquake and tsunami was probably
generated offshore, close to 37 degrees 01'N, 7 degrees 49'W.
Language: English
Document Type: Article
Author Keywords: Tsunamis; historical seismicity; modelling
KeyWords Plus: 1755 LISBON TSUNAMI; PORTUGAL; DISPLACEMENT; AREA
Reprint Address: Baptista, MA (reprint author), Inst Super Engn Lisboa, CGUL, IDL, Campo
Grande C8, P-1749016 Lisbon, Portugal
E-mail Address: [email protected]
Publisher: SPRINGER
Publisher Address: VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS
ISSN: 1383-4649
ISO Source Abbrev.: J. Seismol.