MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Strong seism in Argentine Antarctic base.

A “tsunami” or seismic wave caused by a 7,3 points Richter scale seism hit this week the Argentine Antarctic base of Orcadas (Orkneys) leaving broken window glass, fallen objects but fortunately no wounded or structural damages to the compound.

According to a release from the Argentine Antarctic Institute the full impact of the sea wave "was cushioned to great extent by the field of underwater ice, which is particularly extended at this time of the year".

"The seismic wave did not reach the height that is common with these huge water displacements", (probably ten metres) "because of the weight of the ice". Apparently the seism that was located ten kilometres below sea level in the Scotia Sea and 71 kilometres east-northeast from the Argentine base, originated with an important vertical displacement in a fault.

Seismic equipment at the Orcadas base established the core of the movement at 60 degrees 55' latitude South and 43 degrees 49' West. The Argentine base is located at 60 degrees 7' and 33'' South and 44 degrees, 7', 33'' West.

A first seismic replica, close to the Scotia Sea mountain range was recorded almost eight hours later with a 5,4 degrees magnitude, followed by a second but reaching 5,3 degrees five hours on.

Regarding the situation after the tsunami and the after shocks, the Argentine Antarctic Institute said that staff is safe and sound, "with no wounded, and with the seismic equipment operating normally".