This animation explores three major mechanisms for earthquakes in South America due to the interaction of the Nazca and South American plates. Western South America is a region of high earthquake hazard because of:
• Tsunamigenerating megathrust earthquakes on the Nazca –South America plate boundary,
• Major earthquakes within the subducting plate beneath populated coastal towns, and
• Major earthquakes on faults within the continental crust.

Directed by Dr. Robert Butler, geophysicist, University of Portland
Narrated by Dr. Wendy Bohon, Education Specialist, IRIS
Animation by Jenda Johnson, geologist, Earth Sciences Animated
Music, “Crystal Skies” from “Forgotten Dream” (used with permission from Sean Koreski; www.beautifulflute.com)