La red sismológica uruguaya: desarrollo, estado actual y perspectivas

The Uruguayan seismological network: development, current status, and perspectives

Leda Sánchez Bettucci1, Oscar Castro-Artola2,*, Enrique Latorres1,3, Hernán Castro1, Martín Rodríguez Kacevas1, Judith Loureiro Olivet1,4

1 Observatorio Geofísico del Uruguay, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Aiguá, Departamento de Maldonado, Uruguay.

2 Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada, Baja California, México. Carretera Ensenada- Tijuana No. 3918, Zona Playitas, CP. 22860, Ensenada, B.C., México.

3 Universidad ORT del Uruguay. Cuareim 1451, 11100 Montevideo, Departamento de Montevideo, Uruguay.

4 Dirección Nacional de Minería y Geología, Ministerio de Industria, Energía y Minería. Calle Hervidero 2861, esq. Av. Joaquín Suárez, Montevideo, Uruguay.

*Autor para correspondencia: (O. Castro-Artola) This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

How to cite this article:

Sánchez Bettucci, L., Castro-Artola, O., Latorres, E. Castro, H. Rodríguez-Kacevas, M., & Loureiro Olivet, J. (2026) La red sismológica uruguaya: desarrollo, estado actual y perspectivas. Boletín de la Sociedad Geológica Mexicana, 78(2), A291025. https://doi.org/10.18268/BSGM2026v78n2A291025 

Manuscrito recibido: August 14, 2025. Manuscrito corregido: October 19, 2025. Manuscrito aceptado: October 24, 2025.

ABSTRACT

The Uruguayan Seismological Network has undergone a remarkable process of development and expansion over the past decade, enabling, for the first time, the systematic monitoring of seismicity in a region traditionally considered to be of low seismic risk. This work analyzes the historical evolution and current state of the network, describes its infrastructure and coverage, and examines both the main technical and institutional challenges as well as its social impact. The integration of modern technology and inter-institutional cooperation has enabled the detection of seismic events, thereby redefining the national paradigm for seismic activity and informing the development of new risk management policies. The remaining challenges for consolidating permanent monitoring, developing hazard maps, and training human resources are discussed, along with the importance of strengthening social and institutional preparedness. The Uruguayan case exemplifies the importance of science and public outreach in shaping perceptions and enhancing resilience against natural hazards.

Keywords: Uruguayan Geophysical Observatory, Uruguayan Seismological Network, seismic monitoring, Latin America, Uruguay.