Earthquake Ancestors

Earthquake Ancestors: "Earthquake Ancestors



Layers of sand in the earth have helped seismologists investigate the history of earthquakes in Chile.

by Virginia Cooper Hughes

Photo by Pierre St. Amand

Earthquake damage to homes in the town of Valdivia in Chile, near the epicenter of the earthquake.

In the spring of 1960, the largest earthquake ever recorded rocked an idyllic seascape on the coast of Chile. Hundreds of locals, frightened by the violent shaking of the land, sought refuge in small boats. They thought they were safe - until the sea roared with the 75-foot waves of the quake’s daughter tsunami. And they weren’t the only ones who felt it – giant waves were triggered in Japan and Hawaii, killing people and destroying homes."