This research is to study the historic earthquakes (1906-1960) that have occurred along the South American subduction zone; eleven earthquakes have occurred between 1906 and 1960 with magnitudes greater than 7.8. The results will be compared with recent, post-1963, earthquakes that have occurred along the South American subduction zone. The goal is to obtain a more complete picture of subduction zone earthquakes, fault segmentation and rupture mode along this active plate boundary. By this means, better constraints on the seismic hazards and seismic potential along this and other subduction zones can be estimated. This research is a component of the National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program.
