Movement of magnitude 5.0 caused damages, but no one was injured. The earthquake occurred 35 km west of Carlini Base Scientific Station

A magnitude 5.0 earthquake occurred last Saturday in the Argentinian Antarctic, 35 km west of Carlini Base Scientific Station of the Dirección Nacional del Antártico (DNA), which was also recorded by the seismographs at Esperanza Base and Marambio Base.

The official information, informed by Tiempo Fueguino newspaper, mentioned that the tremor occurred on Saturday, 29 August 2020, at 12:47:04 UTC, and that the Antarctic Seismograph Argentinean Italian Network (Asain) recorded an earthquake of magnitude 5.0 at scarce 35 km west of Carlini Scientific Base. A depth of approximately 4.2 km was estimated for this event that began on Friday.

Once this phenomenon was known, the Government of the Province of Tierra del Fuego, through the Secretary of the Malvinas, Antarctic, Islands of the South Atlantic and International Affairs, Lic. Andrés Dachary, immediately contacted Joint Antarctic Commander, Colonel Edgard Calandin, to be informed about the event.

The Commander commented that all the Base personnel are well. Dachary added that, obviously, they felt the movement, but there were only minor damages which have already been solved, bringing peace of mind because the most important aspect was to know how the personnel who work there are doing.

The secretary also contacted the Chief of Carlini Base, Major Gustavo Sánchez, who also mentioned that they calmed the community as there was no greater inconvenience and all the personnel were well.

Teachers and Chancellery

The province authority’s communiqué also included Antarctic teachers Mariana Ibarra and Víctor Navarro, who work at Escuela No. 38 at Esperanza Base. They are well and they mentioned that, since Thursday, there have been winds of up to 180 km/h, with snow and hail. In fact, classes were cancelled on Friday because it was impossible to get to the school and it was very cold. Saturday registered a yearly record of thermal sensation, which was -45.4°. They were recommended not to stay outside for more than 4 minutes given the risk of freezing. So, considering the wind, snow and hail storm, they did not feel the earthquake. The most important thing is that they are all well.

It was added that the Chancellery is permanently in touch with the geologists of the Argentinian Antarctic Institute and the personnel at Carlini Scientific Base, who monitor very closely the progress of seismic movements in the Antarctic.