Karadeniz Technical University (KTU) Geophysical Engineering Department Earth Physics Department Head Assoc. Dr. Regarding the 2.8 magnitude earthquake that occurred at night off the coast of Trabzon, announced by Kandilli Observatory, Murat Özkaptan said, “Although such a small magnitude earthquake seems insignificant, it can be an important warning for our region.”
Özkaptan said that a relatively shallow earthquake occurred between Trabzon and Akçaabat, approximately 25 kilometers away from the coast, with a depth of 9 kilometers.
Stating that such small earthquakes are likely to be felt in coastal areas and settlements in the valley with high sedimentary thickness, Özkaptan stated that it is not an earthquake that is expected to be felt in more rocky and high-elevation settlements.
Özkaptan noted that some citizens informed them that they heard sounds after the earthquake and continued his words as follows:
“It is very unlikely that such a small earthquake would make such a sound. Although such a small earthquake seems insignificant, it can be an important warning for our region. At the same time, an earthquake of the same size and depth occurred in Georgia. “It is important in terms of the earthquake risk of the Eastern Black Sea region.”
“It is not an indication that it will cause a major earthquake.”
Özkaptan stated that the data obtained from previous seismic studies carried out at sea in the region showed the existence of faults that could potentially produce earthquakes as a result of the examination of the structures on the sea floor, and said:
“Apart from the North Anatolian Fault, which creates a risk in the south of our region, the faults in the sea that lie parallel to the Eastern Black Sea coast also pose a risk. The recent earthquakes on these faults pose a danger in terms of earthquakes, unlike what was expected in the region. Therefore, the number of earthquake recording stations in the region should be increased and seismic research should be carried out at sea. “Revealing these fault lines is important for the earthquake risk that may occur in our region in the future.”
Özkaptan stated that it is difficult to say that by looking at a single current earthquake, it is the precursor of a big earthquake in the future, and said, “Therefore, by constantly evaluating the records taken by earthquake recording stations at our university and looking at the number and magnitude of earthquakes, it can be evaluated whether it will cause a big earthquake in the future. However, “A single earthquake at this time remains only a warning and is not an indication that it will cause a major earthquake.” he said.
The opinions expressed herein are the author’s and not necessarily those of News2Sea.
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