Wednesday, October 12, 2011
"October 11, 1918 earthquake and tsunami"
Leaders: Alberto M. López Venegas,
Aurelio Mercado & Zamara Fuentes

Field trip description: During this week we commemorate the 93rd anniversary of the catastrophic Ms 7.2 earthquake and tsunami that affected western Puerto Rico. We will follow the steps of Harry Reid and Stephen Taber, who conducted a post-earthquake and tsunami survey in the aftermath. We will visit locations where they measured run-up and inundation values in Aguadilla, Rincón, Mayagüez and Cabo Rojo. On our way we will stop at several locations that have been classified as tsunami inundation zones according to a worst-case scenario simulation. Lastly, Zamara Fuents, a PhD student working on paleotsunamis will show pits used to discriminate tsunami and storm deposits.
Clicjk Here: for the Google Earth Field trip sites.

General Field Trip Info:

The field trip will be by van or bus. We will depart from and return to the UPRM Department of Geology each day.

We have ordered the best possible weather for these days well in advance, but we still must prepare for the weather, climate, and terrane:

Sun: There will be lots of it. Sunscreen, large-brim hats, long sleeves are all good to bring.

Rain: a light rain jacket or umbrella will suffice. It is never ‘cold’ from the rain, and most times the rain is of short duration. When it stops, it will warm up again quickly…

Footware: A sturdy pair of walking shoes or boots is required. The trips will mostly involve ‘light hiking’, but there will probably always be areas that you will want to scramble around on. Please bring appropriate foot ware that matches your normal hiking activities.

Please feel free to email with questions or special requests. We will try to accommodate your needs wherever possible.