Los informes geológicos sobre el terremoto de Mendoza de 1861: teorías sobre la actividad sísmica en el siglo XIX y las recomendaciones para la reubicación de la ciudad.

MESCUA, J. F.

Salta

Congreso; III Congreso Argentino de Historia de la Geología; 2013

ABSTRACT. On March 20th, 1861, the city of Mendoza, Argentina, was destroyed by a Mw=7 earthquake. A discussion ensued about the convenience of moving the city and to which location. In this work, three geologic reports of the earthquake, two of which had an important influence in the opinions presented in the provincial legislature, are analyzed. The reports discuss the origin of earthquakes based on the theories invoked to explain seismic activity in the 19th century. The recommendations for the location of the new city in each report are discussed. It will be shown that the final location of Mendoza was decided because of political reasons, disregarding the scientific studies.