International Conference on Paleoseismology, Active Tectonics and Archaeoseismology will take place in Chile

Intl. Conference on Tectonics will take place in Chile next week
For the first time, it will take place in Chile (and South America) between 06-11 Oct. 2024.
For the first time, it will take place in Chile (and South America) between 06-11 Oct. 2024.

PATA Chile 2024 is the most important International Conference on Paleoseismology, Active Tectonics and Archaeoseismology. For the first time, it will take place in Chile (and South America) between 06-11 Oct. 2024. The event is important regarding its international presence (80 scientist from all over the world) and the fact that it will be held in Chile, renowned natural laboratory in the geosciences.

During PATA Chile 2024, researchers will have the opportunity to visit:

  • Santiago and San Esteban, which are important fault systems along the Andes,,
  • paleotsunami evidence in the central coast of Chile (Valparaíso region),
  • active tectonics evidence in Northern Chile and
  • active faults on the eastern Andean front (Argentina)

The scientific field trip to the San Ramón fault system, scheduled for Oct. 8th in the foothills of Santiago de Chile, will be especially relevant due to recent findings that update the extent of its original traceSan Ramón is one of the most important fault system in Chile, considering its implications on urban planning and the fact that over two million people live above it.

In this 12° version, PATA Chile 2024 will be the place to learn about new techniques and methodologies in the study of active faults and tectonic deformations, such as:

  • latest techniques on geophysical prospecting,
  • paleoseismological trenches,
  • dating of earthquakes and tectonic activity,
  • deformation associated with earthquakes through satellite positioning (GNSS),
  • laser precision topography (LiDAR),
  • radar interferometry (InSAR),
  • underwater seismic prospecting,
  • as well as the seismic hazard associated with fault tectonics and active margins.

Renowned academics will visit Chile:

  • Dr. Thomas Rockwell (San Diego State University, USA) and Dr. James McCalpin (Geo-Haz Consulting, USA), known for promoting the development of earthquake geology and modern paleoseismology,
  • Dr. Tina Niemi (University of Missouri-Kansas City, USA), known for her studies in archaeoseismology and active faults,
  • Dr. Robert Langridge (GNS, New Zealand), known for his research work in New Zealand and especially for that associated with the Kaikoura earthquake in 2016,
  • Dr. Klaus Reicherter (RWTH Aachen University, Germany), known for his research on active faults in Europe,
  • Dr. Stéphane Baize (IRSSN, France), recognized for his contribution as part of the French Institute for Nuclear Safety and
  • Dr. Yann Klinger (IPGP, Université Paris, France), a prominent paleoseismologist who has investigated various faults around the world.

PATA Chile 2024 is part of the International Union for Quaternary Research (INQUA), international organization that studies the changes in our planet during the Quaternary period (last 2.6 million years). In particular, the event is organized by INQUA's subcommittee on Terrestrial Processes, Deposits & History (TERPRO).

The first version of PATA was in 2009 and for the first time the event will take place in Chile (and South America). The event is organized by Universidad de Chile, with the collaboration of Dr. Gabriel González (U. Católica del Norte), Dr. Luisa Pinto (U. de Chile), Dr. Marco Cisternas (Pontificia U. Católica de Valparaíso), MSc. Sofía Rebolledo (U. de Chile), Dr. José Gonzalez-Alfaro (U. de Chile) and Dr. Carlos Costa (U. Nacional de San Luis, Argentina). Dr. Gabriel Easton (U. de Chile) leads the Organizing Committee.

During the next few days, the Department of Geology of U. de Chile will provide information and updates on the development of this event.

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