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Seismic forces and state power: the creation of the Chilean Seismological Service at the beginning of the twentieth century
Seismische Kräfte und staatliche Macht: Die Schaffung des Chilenischen Seismologischen Dienstes am Beginn des 20. Jahrhunderts
[journal article]
Abstract In 1906, the Valparaíso earthquake marked a breakthrough in earthquake observation in Chile. During the nineteenth century, seismic observation was mostly a matter of concern to foreign travelers and scientists. Meanwhile, after the 1906 earthquake, seismic knowledge began to have greater importance... view more
In 1906, the Valparaíso earthquake marked a breakthrough in earthquake observation in Chile. During the nineteenth century, seismic observation was mostly a matter of concern to foreign travelers and scientists. Meanwhile, after the 1906 earthquake, seismic knowledge began to have greater importance for the state. The study of all tremors in the country responded to the demand to mitigate the vulnerability of the country facing the threat of earthquakes. For this task, the government of Chile created the Seismological Service, a national network of observatories and seismic stations, but also of observers. These observers helped to produce local seismic knowledge, tracing which places in the country were most frequently exposed to earthquakes.... view less
Keywords
natural sciences; Chile; Andean Region; South America; twentieth century; natural disaster
Classification
General History
Sociology of Science, Sociology of Technology, Research on Science and Technology
Free Keywords
Valparaiso earthquake 1906; political history; Fernand Montessus de Ballore; hazard mitigation
Document language
English
Publication Year
2015
Page/Pages
p. 81-104
Journal
Historical Social Research, 40 (2015) 2
Issue topic
Climate and beyond: knowledge production about the earth as a signpost of social change
DOI
https://doi.org/10.12759/hsr.40.2015.2.81-104
ISSN
0172-6404
Status
Published Version; peer reviewed