The impact of eighteenth century earthquakes on the Algarve region, southern Portugal

摘要: In the eighteenth century Algarve was affected by two large and destructive earthquakes. The first occurred in 1722, had an estimated magnitude of between 6.5 7.8 Mw severely coastal zone central Algarve. Thirty three years later 1755 ‘Lisbon earthquake’ (magnitude c. 8.5 Mw) killed around 12 000 people Portugal, whom just over 1000 lived With cost 32 48% Portugal's gross national product, financial terms it is greatest natural disaster to have western Europe its effects on Algarve, region closest epicentre, were devastating. Using data collected field together with archival materials authors discuss: economic social impacts these earthquakes their associated tsunamis Algarve; recovery that followed. Today a major European tourist destination resident population c.430 000, figure which almost doubles at height season. 1722 not isolated events, but part long seismic history, today highly exposed future tsunamis. paper concludes discussion current attempts being made Portuguese authorities reduce hazard exposure means building codes, production maps emergency plans. plans type event viewed as worst-case scenario, although because epicentral location near heart spite smaller size, would be far more destructive.