05.02.2025 09:44
The earthquakes that have occurred consecutively around the island of Santorini in the Aegean Sea have also caused concern in Turkey. Geoscientist Prof. Dr. Naci Görür stated, "The earthquakes in Santorini could lead to a larger earthquake, and if it approaches the Turkish coast, it could cause both a tsunami and significant destruction in our southern regions, particularly between Aydın and Muğla."
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The island of Santorini, located in the Aegean Sea of Greece, has experienced over 750 earthquakes since January 26, which were also felt along Turkey's Aegean coast. While significant measures are being taken against a major, destructive earthquake and volcanic eruption in the neighboring country, geologist Prof. Dr. Naci Görür warned of the tsunami risk, pointing to two provinces.
"IT COULD CAUSE DESTRUCTION BETWEEN AYDIN AND MUĞLA"
Görür stated that he had predicted these earthquakes could become more frequent, saying, "When I first tweeted, earthquakes had already started in Santorini. I anticipated that these earthquakes would become more frequent. I warned the public that if it develops in an unexpected way, the Aegean coast of Turkey could be harmed. I am still making this warning. If the earthquakes in Santorini lead to a larger earthquake and approach the Turkish coasts, it could cause both a tsunami and, to some extent, destruction in our southern areas, especially between Aydın and Muğla. Therefore, I say that local governments and the central government need to be cautious."
"I DON'T THINK VOLCANISM ALONE PRODUCED THESE EARTHQUAKES"
Explaining the formation of the earthquakes, Prof. Dr. Görür said, "The mechanism of these earthquakes occurs as the African plate subducts and is consumed beneath the Anatolian plate. The African plate is subducting and being consumed along the Hellenic-Cyprus arc. The Hellenic-Cyprus arc is a subduction zone. Therefore, the African plate is subducting and being consumed due to this subduction zone beneath the Anatolian plate. This subduction causes significant north-south tension in the upper plate, which is the Anatolian plate. As a result, normal faults occur there. Meanwhile, the southern branch of our North Anatolian Fault extends to this region. There is a certain degree of relationship. Therefore, earthquakes in this region occur due to tectonic reasons, apart from volcanism. There may be a certain effect of volcanism, but I do not think that volcanism alone produced these earthquakes."
"THERE COULD BE A TSUNAMI, CAUTION IS NECESSARY"
Explaining the fault lines in the region, Prof. Dr. Naci Görür stated, "There are three mechanisms in this region. A strike-slip fault zone, a normal fault zone caused by the north-south tension resulting from the subduction of the African plate, and thirdly, volcanism. Some people think that volcanism causes these earthquakes. Based on our interactions with our Greek colleagues and our own thoughts, the origin or current cause of the earthquakes occurring in the Aegean is tectonic due to the subduction of the African plate. Therefore, we refer to 'fault-related causes.' These earthquakes mostly occur as a result of the interaction between normal faults and strike-slip faults. If a normal fault development or rupture occurs towards the Turkish borders, our coasts between Aydın and Muğla could be under threat. There could be a tsunami. There could be a certain degree of destruction. Therefore, we need to be a bit cautious."
"THE EARTHQUAKE STORM WILL DISAPPEAR IN 5-10 DAYS"
Prof. Dr. Görür stated that the earthquake storm will eventually come to an end, saying, "Perhaps nothing will happen. There will be no disaster-level movement. This earthquake storm will decrease and disappear within 5-10 days. Because earthquake storms have this characteristic. Generally, they can cease necessary movements without causing significant destruction or a major earthquake. Frequent occurrences indicate that the tension continues and is active. There is nothing decreasing. On the contrary, it is increasing. If it continues to develop and reaches a stage where it will create large faults and earthquakes, it could be more harmful. It could also affect Turkey. However, otherwise, the current earthquakes are occurring due to local ruptures, tensions, normal faulting, and certain volcanic activities related to the subduction movement. For a major earthquake to occur, there needs to be more rupture and breakage."
"GREECE HAS DONE WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE"
Evaluating the measures taken by Greece since the beginning of the earthquakes, Prof. Dr. Görür said, "I think the Greeks have taken very instructive actions. They took this matter seriously and evacuated the surrounding islands. They placed the necessary equipment there. They called for rescue teams. They brought measurement teams. They really took the necessary precautions. Even if a larger earthquake occurs, it is certain that there will be no loss of life. I think they did the right thing, what needed to be done. I hope this serves as a lesson for all of us. I do not know whether we have taken any precautions related to the seismic activity in Santorini Island from Aydın to Muğla on our southern coasts."
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