SEDIMENTOLOGICAL, GEOARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL EVIDENCES OF THE 881 AD EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI IN THE WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN SEA (ESTEPONA, MÁLAGA)

Abstract

A spectacular earthquake struck the southern margin of the Iberian Peninsula and part of the western fringe of North Africa in 881 AD. Historical sources suggest it was followed by a tsunami. However, the origin and characteristics of this event are yet to be determined. We present evidence, both historical and geo-archaeological, of a tsunami and outline the characteristics for the catastrophe. The presence of a sedimentary layer rich in marine and continental materials, appears to be of a tsunami backwash artifact, and in addition to archaeological remains, provides compelling data supporting our present study.

Keywords

• iberian peninsula
• tsunami
• ad 881
• geo-archaeology
• backwash