An extremely large earthquake has occurred in the southeast of Turkey, near the border with Syria. Seismometer data, which gauge the ground’s trembling due to seismic waves, indicate that this early February 6 earthquake had a magnitude of 7. 8 out of 10 on the moment magnitude scale. Sensors across the globe, including those in the UK, detected seismic waves, which you can see rippling across Europe.
For those who live nearby, the shaking brought on by energy moving outward from the epicentre or source has already had disastrous effects. At least 2,000 people are believed to have died between the two countries as a result of the numerous buildings collapsing, and there have been reports of gas pipeline damage resulting in fires.
A second very large earthquake of 7.5 magnitude also occurred in central Turkey around lunchtime.
Why is Turkey so prone to earthquakes? This question echoes in the aftermath of the devastating February 6th earthquake that struck southeastern Turkey and northern Syria, causing widespread destruction and claiming thousands of lives. To understand this tragic event, we must delve into the geological forces shaping Turkey’s landscape
A Land of Tectonic Crossroads:
Turkey’s precarious position at the intersection of three major tectonic plates – the Anatolian, Arabian, and African – makes it a hotbed for seismic activity. These massive landmasses are in constant motion, colliding and grinding against each other, creating immense pressure along their boundaries. When this pressure finally overcomes the friction, it releases its pent-up energy in the form of earthquakes.
The Anatolian Plate’s Turbulent Journey:
The Anatolian plate, on which most of Turkey sits, is squeezed between the Eurasian and Arabian plates As the Arabian plate pushes northward, it forces the Anatolian plate westward, causing it to crumple and fold. This ongoing collision creates numerous fault lines, zones of weakness where earthquakes are most likely to occur.
The East Anatolian and Dead Sea Transform Faults:
The February 6th earthquake likely occurred on one of these major fault lines: the East Anatolian Fault or the Dead Sea Transform Fault. These “strike-slip faults” allow the plates to slide past each other, generating immense friction and, consequently, powerful earthquakes.
A History of Seismic Scars:
Turkey’s earthquake-prone nature is evident in its history. The 1939 Erzincan earthquake, the 1999 Izmit earthquake, and now the 2023 event stand as grim reminders of the country’s vulnerability. These events highlight the need for preparedness and mitigation strategies to minimize the impact of future seismic events.
Beyond the Earth’s Crust: Human Factors at Play:
While the geological setting plays a crucial role, human factors also contribute to the devastation caused by earthquakes in Turkey. Rapid urbanization, often with lax building codes and inadequate infrastructure, increases the vulnerability of populations to seismic events. Additionally, the ongoing conflict in Syria has displaced millions, forcing them into makeshift shelters that offer little protection against earthquakes.
The Road to Resilience:
In the wake of this tragedy, it is imperative to learn from the past and build a more resilient future. Investing in earthquake-resistant infrastructure, enforcing stricter building codes, and raising public awareness are crucial steps towards mitigating the impact of future earthquakes. Additionally, international collaboration and support are essential in aiding recovery efforts and ensuring that those affected by this disaster receive the necessary assistance.
A Call for Action:
The recent earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the need for preparedness. By understanding the geological forces at play and taking proactive measures, we can minimize the impact of earthquakes and build a safer future for generations to come.
Additional Resources:
- PreventionWeb: Access comprehensive information on earthquake preparedness, mitigation strategies, and disaster risk reduction.
- Middle East Eye: Stay informed about the latest developments and analysis on the earthquake and its aftermath.
Let us work together to create a world where earthquakes do not translate to tragedies, but to opportunities for learning, growth, and resilience.
Why this happened here
Because it is situated where three tectonic plates that make up the Earth’s crust—the African, Arabian, and Anatolian plates—intersect, this region of Turkey is vulnerable to earthquakes. Arabia is pushing into Europe from the north, pushing the Anatolian plate—which Turkey is situated on—westward.
The movement of the tectonic plates builds up pressure on fault zones at their boundaries. It is the sudden release of this pressure that causes earthquakes and ground shaking.
This latest earthquake is likely to have happened on one of the major faults that marks the boundaries between the Anatolian and Arabian plates: either the East Anatolian fault or the Dead Sea Transform fault. These are both “strike-slip faults”, which means they accommodate some motion of plates moving past each other.
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An extremely large earthquake has occurred in the southeast of Turkey, near the border with Syria. Data from seismometers which measure shaking of the ground caused by earthquake waves suggest that this event, in the early morning of February 6, was a magnitude 7.8 out of 10 on the moment magnitude scale. Seismic waves were picked up by sensors around the world (you can watch them ripple through Europe) including places as far away as the UK.
This was a really big one.
The shaking caused by energy travelling outwards from the source or epicentre has already had terrible consequences for people living nearby. Many buildings have collapsed, at least 2,000 people are thought to have died across the two countries, and there are reports of damage to gas pipelines leading to fires.
A second very large earthquake of 7.5 magnitude also occurred in central Turkey around lunchtime.
The Science Behind the Massive Turkey-Syria Earthquakes | WSJ
FAQ
Why is Turkey getting earthquakes?
Why was Turkey so vulnerable to the earthquake?
Is all of Turkey prone to earthquakes?
Why is Turkey at risk of being struck by strong earthquakes?
Why is Turkey so prone to earthquakes?
Most earthquakes occur due to the movements of tectonic plates. And therefore Turkey, which happens to be situated at the junction of four tectonic plates, is one of the most seismically active countries.
How big is Turkey’s earthquake & aftershock?
The major earthquake and large aftershock in Turkey on Monday are two of more than 70 quakes of magnitude 6.5 or higher recorded in the region since 1900. Turkey’s two main fault zones — the East Anatolian and the North Anatolian — make it one of the most seismically active regions in the world.
Why have Turkey-Syria earthquakes been so deadly?
Why have the Turkey-Syria earthquakes been so deadly? Rapid and unregulated urbanisation is one of the factors that make cities ‘critically vulnerable’ to natural hazards. Powerful earthquakes sent multi-story buildings crumbling to the ground in parts of Turkey and Syria, killing thousands of people as rescue operations continue.
What happened in Turkey after a major earthquake?
A major earthquake struck southern Turkey early on Monday, causing extensive damage and killing thousands there and in neighboring Syria. Rescue workers have been searching the rubble of buildings for survivors, who face bitterly cold winter temperatures, as well as electricity and water outages—and the terror of continuing aftershocks.