Basilicata earthquake of 1857 (1857–1858)

The 1857 Basilicata earthquake, also known as the Great Neapolitan earthquake, occurred on 16 December in the Basilicata region of Italy, southeast of Naples. The principal shock struck at approximately 10:15 pm local time, lasting about 25 seconds. Numerous aftershocks followed, continuing until May 1859, with significant events on 26 December 1857 and 8 March 1858. Robert Mallet visited the devastated area in early 1858 to study the disaster's effects.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. The earthquake occurred in the Basilicata region of Italy, southeast of the city of Naples. The principal shock happened at about 10:15 pm local time on 16 December 1857, with a duration of about 25 seconds. The maximum intensity of this shock has been estimated to be in the range VII–VIII on the Mercalli–Cancani–Sieberg scale (MCS), based on comparisons with shaking experienced at Naples and Lagonegro from earthquakes in 1826 and 1893.

Aftershocks. The earthquake was followed by numerous aftershocks, which continued until May 1859. The most damaging aftershock occurred at about 04:00 local time on 26 December 1857. Another damaging aftershock occurred on 8 March 1858. These events extended the period of seismic activity well beyond the initial main shock.

Investigation. Early in 1858, aided by a grant from the Royal Society, Robert Mallet visited the devastated area. He spent over two months studying the effects of the disaster, paying special attention to the damage caused to buildings. This investigation provided detailed observations of the physical impact of the earthquake on the region.

People involved

Sources

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