Prof. Dr. Sözbilir explains: 'We have reached the end of the earthquake swarm in the Aegean'

Dokuz Eylül University (DEÜ) Earthquake Research and Application Center Director Prof. Dr. Hasan Sözbilir stated that the seismic activity that has been ongoing in the Aegean Sea in recent weeks is decreasing, and added, "We have reached the end of the earthquake swarm. The number of earthquakes, which was nearly 400 per day on average, has now dropped to 10-15. At this stage, we can say that the first earthquake swarm has concluded." he said.

Sözbilir, a faculty member at the DEÜ Faculty of Engineering, Department of Geological Engineering, recalled in his statement that 4.0-magnitude earthquakes occurred near the island of Santorini on January 28, after which an earthquake swarm began in the region.

Stating that there have been approximately 3,000 earthquakes of varying magnitudes in the region over the past 20 days, Sözbilir said, "Initially, there were earthquakes of magnitude two, three, and four. Then, eight earthquakes of magnitude 5 occurred. After a certain period, a bell curve actually formed. We have now reached the final stage of that bell curve. In fact, we have reached the end of the earthquake swarm. The number of earthquakes, which was nearly 400 per day on average, has now dropped to 10-15. At this stage, we can say that the first earthquake swarm has concluded." he stated.

Sözbilir noted that a 5.1-magnitude earthquake occurred in the region today and that such intense tremors could occur over time.

Explaining that when they evaluate all seismic activity in the region, they observe that both volcanic activity and tectonic-origin earthquakes are occurring together, Sözbilir said, "There is currently a magma intrusion there. It is approaching the surface from a certain depth in a specific way. It has reached a stage of approximately 3-4 kilometers. Hydrothermal fluids and gases formed by its upward movement are fracturing the rocks there under a certain pressure. During this period, many earthquake formations, which we call micro-earthquakes, occurred due to these fractures."he assessed.

Pointing out that an uncertainty phase is being experienced following the decrease in earthquakes, Sözbilir indicated that similar tremors could occur in the region again in the future.

'TSUNAMI DANGER CONTINUES'

Explaining that an earthquake swarm also occurred in the region in 2011-2012, Sözbilir spoke as follows:

"An activity had occurred at those dates as well, and it lasted for a few months. It may continue with several earthquake swarms following each other again. Of course, in the meantime, the danger of volcanic eruption, earthquake, and consequently tsunami, actually continues. None of these will create a destructive, serious problem for us. At this stage, if we can take the necessary steps to take precautions, we have a high chance of coming out of this with very little damage."

Reminding that scientists from abroad are also taking part in this working group, Sözbilir said, "We have active volcanoes in Turkey. Apart from the Aegean Sea, we have 14 active volcanoes on land. We are trying to reach certain information by also conducting literature research. We want to obtain important information for the future."

News Source: 12punto