04.02.2025 14:30
In the Alanya district of Antalya, a retreat of the sea occurred at Keykubat Beach and Galip Dere Beach. This event reminded people of the recent earthquakes in the Aegean Sea. However, Geophysicist Erman Kaptanoğlu stated that the sea retreat was caused by seasonal meteorological events. Citizens became anxious in response to this situation.
In the incident that occurred at Keykubat Beach and Galip Dere Beach in Alanya, it was observed that the sea water receded by 7-8 meters. Whether this event is related to the earthquakes occurring off the coast of the Aegean Sea has become a matter of curiosity for the citizens.
"EARTHQUAKES DO NOT CAUSE SUCH A SEA RECESSION" In evaluations regarding the subject, Erman Kaptanoğlu, a member of the Honorary Board of the Chamber of Geophysical Engineers, stated, 'It is very misleading to associate the sea recessions that occurred at Keykubat Beach in Alanya entirely with tectonic movement, which is an earthquake. Of course, sea recessions and sea floods can occur due to an earthquake. However, for this phenomenon to happen, an earthquake must occur in a region close to the shore and must be caused by vertical movement. Other than that, the earthquakes near Santorini Island in the Aegean Sea do not cause such a sea recession. It is incorrect to completely associate this with an earthquake. The reason for this is seasonal meteorological events. These events particularly occur in October-November and January-February. In parallel with the high pressure in the Balkans, low pressure occurs over the Mediterranean Sea. This low pressure causes the sea to recede. It is wrong to say that these are related to earthquakes. Our people are afraid of tsunamis. However, for a tsunami to occur, an earthquake of at least 6.5 magnitude must take place. The public should be at ease regarding this matter. A major earthquake that could occur near Crete and Santorini will not create a tsunami wave in Alanya,' he said.
"TSUNAMI RISK MAY OCCUR" Kaptanoğlu, who also mentioned the fault line that may occur after an earthquake and the risk of a tsunami, stated, 'The fault systems that will affect Alanya are earthquakes that may occur on the Aegean Cyprus fault. The Aegean Arc is not a fault system that will significantly affect Alanya. It is a fault system located 450 kilometers away. Very large earthquakes of magnitudes 7.5 and 8.5 are expected in those areas. These earthquakes may pose a tsunami risk. However, this tsunami risk does not apply to Alanya. Still, we need to take our precautions, and we must show the necessary care for our buildings from an engineering perspective,' he said.
Mehmet Köse, who came to the beach to fish, said, 'For the past couple of days, the waves used to go further. There has been a significant recession from the sea. It has receded about 4 meters, no matter how you look at it.'