On September 29, 1650 CE, a tsunami occurred at Thera Island (Santorini), Greece. According to official historical records, the event was associated with earthquake activity measuring a magnitude of 6.3 and produced a peak recorded water height of 30.0 meters. The event resulted in 120 recorded fatalities.
Historical Event Record and Measurements
The event is documented in the NOAA/NCEI Global Historical Tsunami Database under Event ID 269. The epicenter coordinates for the associated seismic event are recorded at latitude 36.524° N and longitude 25.483° E near Thera Island (Santorini), Greece.
| Parameter | Recorded Value |
|---|---|
| Event Date | September 29, 1650 CE |
| Location | Thera Island (Santorini), Greece |
| Geographic Coordinates | 36.524° N, 25.483° E |
| Associated Earthquake Magnitude | 6.3 |
| Maximum Water Height | 30.0 m |
| Recorded Fatalities | 120 |
| Database Validity Rating | 4 (Definite tsunami) |
Understanding the Recorded Data
The maximum water height measurement of 30.0 meters represents the localized peak runup height documented for this event rather than a uniform wave height across the entire shoreline. In tsunami database classification systems, a validity rating of 4 indicates that the occurrence of the tsunami is confirmed as a definite historical event based on verified documentation.
The historical record distinguishes this 1650 CE event from modern operational monitoring. The database entry preserves reported measurements from historical archives to maintain a complete record of documented natural events in the region.
Frequently asked questions
When did the 1650 Thera Island tsunami take place?
The tsunami occurred on September 29, 1650 CE near Thera Island (Santorini), Greece.
What was the maximum water height recorded for the 1650 Thera Island tsunami?
The maximum recorded water height for the event was 30.0 meters.
Was the tsunami linked to an earthquake?
Yes, historical database records associate the tsunami with seismic activity measuring an earthquake magnitude of 6.3.
How many casualties were recorded from this event?
Official database records document 120 fatalities resulting from the event.
Sources and further context
Official datasets support the event-specific facts.