12.02.2025 19:20
Geophysicist Prof. Dr. Övgün Ahmet Ercan stated that the earthquakes occurring in the region where Santorini Island is located are related to the volcano, saying, "The worst-case scenario could be an explosion that ejects ash, rocks, and clumps. The explosion could generate earthquakes ranging from 5 to 7. Along with the earthquake, tsunami waves could also occur."
The number of earthquakes resulting from seismic activity that began on January 28 off the coast of Santorini Island in the Aegean Sea has exceeded 1,200. The last earthquake, measuring 5.3, was felt in Kuşadası on Monday evening. It was announced that the tremor, which had a depth of 17 kilometers, is the most intense earthquake recorded so far.
"RELATED TO VOLCANIC ACTIVITY"
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 the earthquake storm is related to volcanic activity beneath the sea. Ercan pointed out that the region known as the Amargos basin in the Aegean Sea is being compressed from both sides by the African and Anatolian continents, stating, "In this case, the Amargos basin can either break or produce earthquakes as a result of volcanic eruptions. Currently, approximately 45 kilometers deep, molten high-viscosity magma at a temperature of 2,200 degrees Celsius is filling magma chambers with high pressure. It applies pressure of about 250 kilobars to the chambers. This pressure increases the likelihood of an explosion in the region. As a result of the increase in pressure, earthquakes occur. In my opinion, this is what is happening now," he said.
REVEALED THE WORST-CASE SCENARIO
If a volcanic eruption occurs, Prof. Dr. Övgün Ahmet Ercan expressed that the most unfavorable scenario would be that stones, soil, and ash would be thrown into the sky. He stated, "The explosion could produce earthquakes between 5 and 7. Tsunami waves may also occur along with the earthquake. These waves could affect all the islands in the Aegean, Crete, and the coasts of Greece and Turkey. These have happened in the past, but there is no cause for concern at the moment. Because the tsunami waves lose their effect by the time they reach the Turkish coasts," he said.
"GREECE SHOULD REQUEST HELP FROM TURKEY"
Addressing Greek officials and colleagues from Kuşadası, Geophysicist Prof. Dr. Ahmet Ercan said, "We have two seismic research vessels named Barbaros Hayreddin Pasha and Oruç Reis. I recommend that the Greek government immediately apply to Turkey and request our assistance for further research. Because the flow of information from Greece is extremely limited for us to make accurate interpretations of the events. Turkey is currently taking all necessary precautions. Everyone can be at ease," he stated.