Original article: Estudios paleosismológicos evidencian ocurrencias históricas de grandes tsunamis en las costas de Valparaíso Paleoseismological Studies Reveal Historical Occurrences of Major Tsunamis Along Valparaíso’s Coast The recent seminar held at the central campus of PUCV, organized by the National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (Senapred) and the National Service of Geology and Mining (Sernageomin), aimed to bolster territorial planning, scientific research, and institutional coordination for enhancing disaster prevention and resilience against natural disasters. Participants included academics and representatives from the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso, the Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service of the Navy (SHOA), and PUC. One of the key speakers was Marco Cisternas, a professor at the PUCV Institute of Geography, who presented long-term research on the recurrence of earthquakes and tsunamis along Central Chile’s coast.
He explained that significant seismic events recorded in the region—such as those in 1822, 1906, and 1985—occurred in deep subduction zones, resulting in smaller tsunamis, which has created a misleading perception of Valparaíso’s actual risk level. «There is a common misconception that large tsunamis do not occur in Valparaíso. However, both historical evidence and our paleoseismological studies indicate that significant events have indeed taken place, such as the 1730 earthquake, which completely flooded what is now known as El Almendral,» stated Cisternas.
The researcher added that his studies suggest the 1730 earthquake was a shallow rupture, different from the major recent quakes. «It’s been nearly 300 years since a similar earthquake occurred, but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen again. In fact, we believe the current shallow zone is locked and accumulating stress,» he cautioned.
Regarding the implications of a potential earthquake of such magnitude, Cisternas highlighted that one of the main risk factors is the high level of coastal development in cities like Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, and Concón. «Entire areas are situated in low-lying or estuary-adjacent zones, where tsunamis can strike with intensity. Additionally, the port and industrial infrastructure built along the coast creates a high-risk scenario,» he noted.
Soil Characteristics From Sernageomin, geologist Carlos Gálvez emphasized the importance of considering soil and subsurface characteristics when planning urban growth and constructing infrastructure. «There are soft or sedimentary terrains that can amplify seismic waves and cause more damage compared to areas built on denser rock. This implies a potential vulnerability that must be adequately studied,» he indicated.
The expert also praised the importance of such meetings between academia and public agencies. «It is vital for institutions to share experiences and strengthen teamwork around prevention and risk management. Often, awareness activities rely too heavily on goodwill, so it is essential to move towards more robust and coordinated policies,» he affirmed.
Contribution of PUCV Hermann Manríquez, the director of the PUCV Institute of Geography, underlined the university’s contribution and the role of scientific research in preparing for natural threats. «Managing risk requires scientific knowledge, institutional coordination, and hands-on work within territories. For our Institute, participating and co-organizing these seminars is crucial because it brings applied research closer to those who play key roles in emergency prevention and response,» he expressed.
Manríquez added that such initiatives are also vital for student training. «Strengthening local and regional capacities is essential for building more resilient territories. Moreover, these topics are fundamental in our educational processes, as we aim to prepare professionals capable of supporting decision-making against various threats facing our regions,» he concluded.