On August 13, 1868 CE, a severe tsunami affected Northern Chile following a powerful earthquake in the region. According to official historical entries maintained in the NOAA/NCEI Global Historical Tsunami Database, the event occurred at 21:30 UTC at coordinates -18.6 latitude and -71.0 longitude. The tsunami was directly generated by an earthquake assigned a magnitude of 8.5.
Earthquake Association and Event Validity
The 1868 Northern Chile event is categorized with a validity code of 4, indicating a definite tsunami based on historical evidence and reporting. Tsunami waves are often triggered by sudden displacements of the seafloor during large submarine or coastal earthquakes. In this event, the magnitude 8.5 shock created massive ocean displacement along the coast of Northern Chile.
Water Height Measurements and Severe Impacts
Historical measurements record a maximum water height of 18.0 meters during the event. This figure represents the peak runup or water height observed at specific shoreline locations rather than a uniform wave height along the entire affected coastline. The surge brought significant inundation to coastal communities in the region.
The physical destruction and human impact recorded for the August 13, 1868 event were severe. The database records 25,000 fatalities resulting from the combined effects of the earthquake and tsunami. Total financial damage is estimated at $300.0 million USD in historical value.
Summary of Recorded Event Parameters
The table below summarizes the key quantitative parameters and observational status recorded for the August 13, 1868 tsunami event in Northern Chile.
| Parameter | Recorded Value |
|---|---|
| Event Date & Time | August 13, 1868 CE at 21:30 |
| Location Coordinates | -18.6° N/S, -71.0° E/W (Northern Chile) |
| Associated Earthquake Magnitude | 8.5 |
| Maximum Water Height | 18.0 meters |
| Total Deaths Recorded | 25,000 |
| Total Financial Damage | $300.0 million USD |
| Tsunami Validity Status | 4 (Definite Tsunami) |
Frequently asked questions
When did the 1868 Northern Chile tsunami occur?
The tsunami occurred on August 13, 1868 CE at 21:30, centered along the coast of Northern Chile at coordinates -18.6 latitude and -71.0 longitude.
What magnitude earthquake caused the 1868 tsunami?
The event was caused by an earthquake with a recorded magnitude of 8.5.
What was the highest water height recorded during the event?
The maximum recorded water height was 18.0 meters. This value reflects the highest local measurement rather than a uniform wave height across the entire coastline.
How many casualties and damages were attributed to the 1868 event?
Official database records document 25,000 fatalities and an estimated $300.0 million USD in financial damage.
Sources and further context
Official datasets support the event-specific facts.