Turkiye's Main Faults and Previous Earthquakes

Turkey is located in a seismically active region, and its two main fault zones — the East Anatolian and the North Anatolian — make it one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world.

The North Anatolian Fault (NAF) is a right-lateral strike-slip fault that runs through northern Turkey for about 1,500 kilometers. It is the boundary between the Eurasian Plate and the Anatolian Plate, which are moving towards each other at a rate of about 2 centimeters per year. This movement causes the fault to accumulate stress, which is eventually released in the form of earthquakes.

Image 1: Main Fault Zones

The East Anatolian Fault (EAF) is a left-lateral strike-slip fault that runs through eastern Turkey for about 500 kilometers. It is the boundary between the Anatolian Plate and the Arabian Plate, which are moving towards each other at a rate of about 2 centimeters per year. This movement causes the fault to accumulate stress, which is eventually released in the form of earthquakes.

Both the NAF and the EAF have been responsible for some of the most devastating earthquakes in Turkey's history. In 1999, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake on the NAF killed more than 17,000 people in İzmit. And in 2011, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake on the EAF killed more than 600 people in Van.

Image 2: İzmit Earthquake, 17 August 1999, Image is taken from Geodetic observations of postseismic creep in the decade after the 1999 Izmit earthquake, Turkey: Implications for a shallow slip deficit, Ekbal Hussain and et all.

Image 3: Van Earthquake, 23 October 2011, Map depicting the intensity of shaking caused by the earthquake that struck eastern Turkey and parts of nearby countries on October 23, 2011. İmage is taken from Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

The Turkish government is aware of the country's seismic risk, and has taken steps to mitigate the damage caused by earthquakes. These steps include building earthquake-resistant buildings, developing early warning systems, and educating the public about earthquake preparedness.

Despite these efforts, Turkey remains at risk of future earthquakes. The country's two main fault zones are active and capable of producing large earthquakes. It is important for the Turkish government and the Turkish people to continue to take steps to mitigate the risk of earthquakes and to be prepared for the next one.

In addition to the NAF and the EAF, Turkey has several other active fault zones. These include the Dead Sea Fault Zone, the Aegean Arc, and the Cyprus Arc. These fault zones are capable of producing earthquakes of varying magnitudes.

The seismic activity in Turkey is caused by the collision of the Eurasian, Arabian, and African plates. The Eurasian Plate is moving northward, while the Arabian and African plates are moving southward. This collision is causing the plates to deform, and the stress that builds up is eventually released in the form of earthquakes.

The seismic activity in Turkey is a major hazard to the country. Earthquakes can cause widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure, and can lead to loss of life. The Turkish government is working to mitigate the risk of earthquakes, but it is important for the Turkish people to be aware of the hazard and to be prepared for the next earthquake.

The latest earthquake in Kahramanmaras occurred on February 6, 2023. It was a magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck the city of Pazarcık. The earthquake caused widespread damage and loss of life. More than 35,000 people were killed and more than 100,000 were injured. The earthquake also caused significant damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and buildings.

Image 4: Kahramanmars Earthquakes, 23 February 2023, The 2023 Kahramanmaraş, Turkey, Earthquake Sequence; USGS Geologic Hazards Science Center and Collaborators.

The earthquake in Kahramanmaras is a reminder of the seismic risk that Turkey faces. It is important for the Turkish government and the Turkish people to continue to take steps to mitigate the risk of earthquakes and to be prepared for the next one.