Aegean Sea Shaken by Seven Consecutive Earthquakes: Experts Warn of Larger Tremors adn Tsunami Risk
The Aegean Sea experienced a series of seismic events on February 1,2025,with seven consecutive earthquakes ranging between 3.5 and 4.4 on the Richter scale. These tremors, reported by Hürriyet, have raised concerns among seismologists about the potential for larger earthquakes and tsunamis in the region.
According to data from AFAD, the earthquakes occurred at a depth of approximately 7 kilometers and lasted for seven hours without interruption. The sequence began with magnitudes of 3.9, 3.7, 3.6, 3.5, and 4, followed by two stronger quakes measuring 4.2 and 4.4.Prof. Dr. Hasan Sosbilir,a prominent seismologist,highlighted the role of the Greek Arc,a tectonic zone where the African plate subducts beneath the Aegean. “The Greek Arc is a region that extends and expands north-south. Until the geological habitat is preserved, earthquake activity in the region will continue,” he stated.
The Greek Arc, also known as the Cretan rainbow, is connected to the East Anatolian Fault and the Dead Sea Fault, forming a second arc called the Cyprus Arc, which stretches through Cyprus and into Antakia.Sosbilir warned that the subduction of the African plate under Anatolia has thickened the plates, increasing the likelihood of significant seismic activity.
Atakan Yucle, another expert, emphasized that these smaller earthquakes are not a sign of reduced risk. “The earthquakes that have occurred here are a harbinger of larger earthquakes in the future. It would be vrey wrong to say that the presence of small and medium-sized earthquakes in the region destroys the energy of the great earthquake. When we look at the historic process, major earthquakes over 7 richter have happened in this region, and this can happen again,” he explained.
The 2020 Samos Island earthquake, which had a magnitude of 7.0 and caused a devastating tsunami, serves as a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability. With the Greek Arc remaining active,experts urge preparedness for potential future disasters.
Key earthquake data
| magnitude | Depth | Duration |
|—————|———–|————–|
| 3.5 – 4.4 | 7 km | 7 hours |
The recent seismic activity underscores the need for vigilance in the Aegean Sea region. As the Greek Arc continues to pose a threat,experts stress the importance of monitoring and preparedness to mitigate the impact of future earthquakes and tsunamis.
For the latest updates on seismic activity, visit StandartNews.com.
