'Earthquake swarm' warning in the Aegean Sea! What causes an earthquake swarm?
The recent series of consecutive earthquakes in the Aegean Sea has been defined by experts as an "earthquake swarm." The AFAD General Directorate of Earthquake and Risk Reduction stated that the tremors are occurring through a process outside of normal activity and emphasized that this situation must be monitored carefully. So, what causes an earthquake swarm? Can an earthquake swarm cause a tsunami?
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The Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) General Directorate of Earthquake and Risk Reduction has evaluated the recent consecutive earthquakes. Head of the Earthquake Department Prof. Dr. Akgün stated that while the tremors are ordinary, we are facing a process outside of normal activity. Experts emphasize that this process, referred to as an "earthquake swarm," must be followed carefully.
WHAT IS AN EARTHQUAKE SWARM?
AFAD officials define consecutive earthquakes of certain magnitudes occurring in close proximity to each other as an "earthquake swarm." Prof. Dr. Akgün made the following assessment:
"According to the current data we have received, this can be called an 'earthquake swarm.' We are talking about consecutive earthquakes of certain magnitudes close to each other. We know that the volcanic activity here is recent. We do not have any data suggesting that the onset of volcanic activity is causing these earthquakes. If it were, we would not be surprised because the area is one that could develop active volcanism. This could either dissipate or increase slightly. It is not possible to say anything definitive. It is important to remain vigilant by observing continuously."
Experts state that an earthquake swarm could dissipate in a short time or trigger larger earthquakes. For this reason, it is stated that the process should be monitored carefully and that citizens should be cautious.
CAN AN EARTHQUAKE SWARM CAUSE A TSUNAMI?
Providing information regarding the tsunami risk in the region, Prof. Dr. Akgün gave the following details:
"For a tsunami to develop, an earthquake above 6 is expected. In earthquakes of 4.5 and 5 magnitude, waves may rise and hit the shore, but they are not of a size to cause significant damage. For there to be damage, the magnitude needs to be close to 7."
WHAT CAUSES AN EARTHQUAKE SWARM?
Earthquake swarms usually occur at depths where small and medium-sized earthquakes take place. It is stated that this phenomenon has been observed to occur as a result of increased pressure exerted by fluids found in the fractures and cracks within rocks on their surroundings.
