ABSTRACT
The islands of the Caribbean lie in an active plate boundary zone with a historical record of devastating earthquakes and tsunamis. These phenomena are mainly triggered by the interaction of the North American Plate and the Caribbean Plate at their boundaries, which can produce major seismic events with results such as the recent catastrophe in Haiti. The tsunamigenic potential of a massive submarine landslide in two carbonate amphitheater south of the Puerto Rico Trench was evaluated. Concerns about the interpretation of hazards and risks are presented. The majority of the islanders of the Caribbean lives and works in the coastal zone as a result of an increasing sea level-based tourism. The structures that support residential settlements and the economic connection in these coastal areas refl ect a high degree of vulnerability to a strike by a tsunami. This chapter examines the urgent need to increase public awareness on the possible impact that a major tsunami could have in the Caribbean, placing emphasis on Puerto Rico. The authors presents challenges for establishing a tsunami warning system, to educate coastal communities about their vulnerability, and to orient them on ways for mitigating the risks.
