The Historical Review of the 1755 Lisbon Tsunami

Abstract

The original accounts reporting the 1755 Lisbon Tsunami were compiled, focusing on the descriptions related to the tsunami parameters, damage and fatalities in the affected regions (Atlantic Northeast and Caribbean). The accounts show the tsunami reached the southwest municipalities of Portugal in less than 30 minutes after the earthquake, and about one hour later the entire coasts of Portugal, Gulf of Cadiz (Spain) and Morocco were hit by the first tsunami waves. The tsunami took about five hours to reach Ireland and UK, and hit the Caribbean region about 9-10 hours after the earthquake. In addition, significant damage and fatalities were reported in Portugal (Peniche, the Lisbon Metropolitan Area and seven coastal areas in the south), Spain (Cadiz) and in all Morocco coastline, including Marrakech which is located about 200 km inland. In Ireland, UK and the Caribbean minor damage was observed, and no fatalities were reported. Key