02.02.2025 19:40
Geophysicist Prof. Dr. Övgün Ahmet Ercan stated that the series of earthquakes that occurred in the last two days are related to the Santorini Volcano, saying, "As a result, an explosion may occur that throws stones and clods. This explosion will be significant. There may also be earthquake production. This production could cause tremors ranging from 5 to 7. Along with the earthquake, sweeping waves may form."
The Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) Earthquake Department reported that 27 earthquakes occurred in the Aegean Sea yesterday, with magnitudes ranging from 1.3 to 4.4. In the region where seismic activity continues, 18 more earthquakes with magnitudes between 2.2 and 4.8 occurred today until 15:55.
"THE ORIGIN OF THE EARTHQUAKE STORM IS RELATED TO THE VOLCANO UNDER THE SEA" Geophysicist Prof. Dr. Övgün Ahmet Ercan made a statement regarding the earthquake storm in the Aegean Sea. Prof. Dr. Ercan suggested that the origin of this earthquake storm is entirely related to the volcano under the sea. He stated that an earthquake storm associated with the Santorini Volcano is taking place, saying, "Magma coming from about 45 kilometers deep, at a temperature of 1200 degrees Celsius, is filling the magma chambers above with high pressure. It is pushing there with a pressure of about 250 kilobars and a temperature of 2200 degrees Celsius. This pressure increases the region's pressure for an explosion. As a result of the increase in pressure, earthquakes occur," he said.
"IT COULD AFFECT THE COASTS OF TURKEY" Prof. Dr. Ercan stated, "Everyone is curious about what will happen as a result. An explosion could occur, throwing stones and debris. This explosion could be effective. There could also be earthquake production. This production could cause tremors between 5 and 7. With the earthquake, tsunami waves could form. These waves could affect all the islands in the Aegean, Crete, the coasts of Greece, and the coasts of Turkey," he expressed.
"THE UNDERSEA VOLCANO IS ALSO ERUPTING" Prof. Dr. Övgün Ahmet Ercan emphasized that tsunami waves could also affect Turkey, warning that preparations should be made, stating, "Tsunami waves, that is, tsunamis, also affect Turkey. These effects have been seen in the past. There have been earthquakes of magnitude 7.7 in this region. Large tsunami waves along the Turkish coasts have killed tens of thousands of people. Historical records say this. The subduction of the African mainland along the southern Aegean arc, which forms Santorini and other undersea volcanoes, has been occurring for about 10 million years. This subduction has reached approximately 700 kilometers. The subducting African mainland is melting due to the heat below. As a result of this melting, the land moves upward due to its buoyancy. This movement creates volcanic islands north of the southern Aegean arc. The closest one is an undersea volcano between the island of Sina, which we discovered about 3 years ago, and Bozburun. This is also erupting. So, it's not just Santorini; this one is also active," he said.
"THE VOLCANO IS CLOSE TO ERUPTION" Prof. Dr. Ercan shared his predictions regarding the potential consequences of a volcanic eruption that may occur in the future, saying, "It gives a scientific impression that the volcano is close to erupting. If it overcomes the resistance of the crust there, it could break through and erupt. But if it cannot, it may go into a period of calm for a while and then become active again. If the accumulation of tension there overcomes the breaking resistance of the earth, it will erupt. If it erupts, lava will flow out. It will throw stones known as volcanic bombs. There will be a flow, and this flow on Santorini Island will directly affect the city of Santorini. The island will expand and gain more land. After the flow erupts, it can last for months or even a few years. If it is explosive, it may occur alongside an earthquake."