04.02.2025 17:56
Recent earthquakes in the Aegean Sea have brought Turkey's active fault map back into focus. Geoscientist Prof. Dr. Naci Görür pointed out that there are at least 15 faults in İzmir that have the potential to produce earthquakes of magnitude 7 or higher, highlighting the dangerous areas.
Recently, the earthquakes in the Aegean Sea have brought Turkey's active fault map back into the spotlight. Speaking in a YouTube broadcast, geologist Prof. Dr. Naci Görür made striking statements, especially regarding İzmir. Görür noted that İzmir is located on multiple active fault lines, stating, "All the earthquakes in the Aegean affect İzmir."
İZMİR IS SURROUNDED BY FAULTS: EARTHQUAKE IS INEVITABLE
Görür expressed that İzmir is constantly affected by the large fault lines surrounding it, indicating that the city is located in an extraordinarily sensitive area in terms of tremors. He stated, "There are two major grabens to the east of İzmir: Gediz and Büyük Menderes Grabens. The İzmir Peninsula is intersected by numerous active faults. These faults move slowly, but they can produce significant earthquakes in the long term."
HE REVEALED İZMİR'S DANGEROUS LOCATION
Görür pointed out that the delta regions around Bayraklı, which he noted have weak soil structures, are the areas that will be most affected by seismic waves.
"CAN PRODUCE EARTHQUAKES OF MAGNITUDE 7"
Drawing attention to the Güzelbahçe Fault, Görür warned that the 24-kilometer-long fault could produce an earthquake of magnitude 7. He added this warning: "If you follow the İzmir fault, it connects to the main fault on the southern side of the Gediz graben. This is a very large fault, it can produce a very large earthquake and it cuts directly through İzmir. The presence of so many active faults in İzmir means that this region should be treated with caution."
"AT LEAST 15 FAULTS IN İZMİR CAN PRODUCE EARTHQUAKES OF MAGNITUDE 7 AND ABOVE"
Görür stated that İzmir is located on at least 15 fault lines that have the potential to produce earthquakes of magnitude 7 and above, noting that there have not been enough studies conducted regarding when these faults will rupture. He said, "We have no information on when they will produce an earthquake. Because we are not working on it. It is certain that they will produce an earthquake, but the mentality of 'Let there be an earthquake first, then we will do what is necessary' still continues."
HE POINTED OUT, "THE FEAR IS THERE"
Recalling that significant earthquakes have historically occurred in İzmir, Görür stated, "If there has been an earthquake of magnitude 7 or above in Erzincan, add 250 to 1939; you would say that I roughly expect such a large earthquake in this area. The last earthquake in the island market was in 1967; add 250, and whatever comes, I roughly see the same large earthquake at this date. We do not know when these 10-15 faults in İzmir will produce an earthquake; the fear is there," he warned.