April 2, 1851 Tsunami: Central Chile

April 2, 1851 6:48 [local time], tsunami validity erroneous. A destructive earthquake occurred in central Chile (Valparaiso, Casablanca, Santiago and other cities). Many homes were destroyed. There were victims. Many aftershocks took place. Rudolph's compendium (1887) mentioned that after the earthquake, "the water left the harbor." Apparently, this reference is incorrect (Iida et al., 1967, reference #79). Only a seaquake was felt, 70 km (40 miles) from Valparaiso. As for the sea level, more accurate sources (Perrey, 1854 a, 1860; Goll, 1903; Montessus de Ballore, 1912) mentioned that "this time the ocean did not undergo the convulsive movements so often accompanying very severe earthquakes at Valparaiso. No special waves were observed, like those enormous waves which at other times have devastated the coast. Nor was any residual elevation of the land observed." (reference #415)

April 2, 1851 at 6:48 a.m. Casablanca earthquake. This shock reached a very high intensity in Valparaiso-Vina del Mar and intensities around 7 in Santiago. The magnitude is estimated at 7 to 7 1/2. No tsunami (Table 1). (reference #252)

April 2, 1851. Rudolph, who uses April 13 date, says "water spilled from harbor." Milne (1908) who uses Apr. 2 date, says there was no flood, and Montessus de Ballore (1912-13a) who also uses Apr 2., says the quake was felt by ships in the harbor but mentions no waves. (reference #79)