27.08.2025 17:03
On August 10th, a 6.1 magnitude earthquake occurred in Balıkesir, followed by aftershocks, which caused some water sources to change locations in the Sındırgı district, known for its thermal waters. While some water sources dried up, new thermal springs emerged, and an increase in the flow rate of the water was observed.
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On August 10, 2025, a 6.1 magnitude earthquake occurred in the Sındırgı district of Balıkesir, causing significant changes in the region's geothermal and natural water resources. Scientist Ali İlksen Demirözer, who examined the effects of the earthquake in the field, shared his observations.
"GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES MIXED WITH GROUNDWATER"
Demirözer stated that the epicenter of the earthquake occurred at a depth of approximately 6 kilometers, saying, "We evaluate such earthquakes in the shallow earthquake category. Since it occurred close to the surface, it affected both the groundwater and the earth's surface. Demirözer mentioned that they reached significant data during field studies, particularly observing an increase in flow rates in the geothermal resources around Ilıca Neighborhood and Emendere Village. He added, "We also detected that groundwater has mixed into the geothermal resources."
"SOME SOURCES DRIED UP, OTHERS FORMED NEW ONES"
Demirözer expressed that different effects were observed in water sources after the earthquake, stating, "We observe an increase in flow rates in some water sources, a decrease in others, complete drying in some locations, and the formation of new sources in some areas." He noted that turbidity occurred in water sources after the earthquake, saying, "This turbidity is observed with aftershocks. However, we expect the turbidity to decrease and the sources to return to their previous state within approximately 2-2.5 months."
VILLAGES ON FAULT LINES WERE AFFECTED
Demirözer noted that fault fractures were also observed after the earthquake, particularly reminding that the rural neighborhoods of Alakır, Kozlu, İbirler, Orman İçi, Sinan Dede, and Aktaş are located on fault lines. He reported that water sources in these areas were affected in different ways. At the end of his statement, Demirözer said, "We anticipate that aftershocks will decrease within approximately two months. If a new and large earthquake does not occur, the natural water sources in our region will return to their old routine."
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