Statement from Kandilli Observatory regarding 'data'

In a statement made via the Kandilli Observatory's social media account, it was stated that reports claiming difficulties in accessing data are unfounded.

Here is the press release issued by Kandilli:

PRESS RELEASE

Statement Regarding Geomagnetic Data and Claims Reflected in the Public Domain

In recent days, unfounded claims have appeared in various media outlets and on social media platforms suggesting that access to our institution's geomagnetic observatory data could not be provided and that our systems have been shut down. In order to inform the public accurately and to prevent the spread of misinformation, this statement regarding the technical and scientific aspects of the matter has been deemed necessary.

The Istanbul–Kandilli (ISK) Geomagnetic Observatory was established in 1947, and its modernization efforts were completed in 1997, after which it was included in the International Real-time Magnetic Observatory Network (INTERMAGNET). However, the increasing urbanization in Istanbul over time, heavy vehicular traffic, and artificial magnetic noise created by environmental metallic elements have made it unsustainable for the measurements conducted at the observatory to meet international sensitivity standards.

In order to ensure data continuity and maintain international scientific quality standards, a Geomagnetic Observatory was established by our Institute in a more isolated region free from magnetic pollution in İznik (IZN), and measurements have been successfully continued at this station for years.

This process is not a "shutdown"; it is a modernization and relocation effort carried out in accordance with scientific requirements.

The primary duty of geomagnetic observatories is to monitor changes in the Earth's magnetic field. Within the framework of current scientific knowledge and technological levels, it is not possible to make a reliable earthquake prediction containing location, time, and magnitude information using only geomagnetic data. Speculative claims in this direction do not have a scientific basis.

The Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute continues to carry out its work in accordance with national and international scientific standards, in line with the principles of transparency and public responsibility. It is respectfully announced to the public that technical claims made about our institution should be evaluated based on scientific data and official statements.