The East Anatolian fault, stretching across eastern to south-central Turkey, has played a significant role in the formation of the Anatolian tectonic plate. In February 2023, this fault zone caused two major earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. While the timing and magnitude of future earthquakes cannot be predicted, a recent study conducted by an international team of scientists led by the University of Minnesota Twin Cities sheds light on the age and formation process of the East Anatolian fault. These findings provide valuable insights into the seismic activity of the region and its impact on the landscape. By understanding the history of fault activity, decision-makers can make informed choices regarding infrastructure development and housing placement.
Fault zones, visible cracks on the Earth’s surface, result from the movements of tectonic plates. These movements generate stress, leading to earthquakes. Donna Whitney, the lead author of the research paper and a Distinguished McKnight University Professor at the University of Minnesota N.H. Winchell School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, explains that witnessing the formation of a new plate is exceptionally rare. However, the Anatolian plate, relatively young in geological terms, offers scientists an opportunity to understand the processes that contributed to its formation. The team’s data suggests that the Anatolian plate and the East Anatolian fault likely formed approximately five million years ago, providing key insights into the region’s seismic activity.
The research findings are a result of the Continental Dynamics-Central Anatolian Tectonics (CD-CAT) project initiated by Donna Whitney. The project brought together researchers from various geosciences disciplines and multiple countries to study the Anatolian plate and its associated fault zones. The team began studying the plate in 2011 after discovering evidence of deformation in its middle, a phenomenon usually observed only at the edges of tectonic plates. However, around five million years ago, a drastic change occurred, concentrating most tectonic movement along two major earthquake-generating faults: the North Anatolian Fault and the East Anatolian Fault.
By analyzing the cooling of rocks within the East Anatolian fault and examining seismic data collected during the CD-CAT project, the researchers determined the structure of the continents and underlying mantle in the region. This analysis confirmed that the Anatolian plate was created approximately five million years ago. Understanding the geological history and structure of the region is crucial for anticipating and preparing for disasters related to seismic activity. Although specific magnitude earthquakes cannot be predicted, studying past fault activity, previous event sizes, and the impact of fault movement on the landscape provides valuable insights.
The knowledge gained from this study has significant implications for decision-makers involved in infrastructure and housing placement. Proximity to fault zones is a critical factor to consider when developing human settlements and constructing infrastructure. By understanding the seismic history of the area, authorities can make informed decisions to minimize the risk of damage and casualties in the event of an earthquake. While it is impossible to prevent earthquakes, proper planning and construction practices can help mitigate the impact.
The study was a collaborative effort involving scientists from various institutions worldwide. Seismologist Jonathan Delph, an assistant professor at Purdue University, and University of Arizona geochronologist Stuart Thomson made significant contributions to the research. Christian Teyssier from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Susan Beck from the University of Arizona, Gilles Brocard from the University of Lyon in France, Michael Cosca from the U.S. Geological Survey in Denver, Michael Darin and Paul Umhoefer from Northern Arizona University, Nuretdin Kaymakcı and Bora Rojay from the Middle East Technical University in Turkey, Maud Meijers from the University of Graz in Austria, and Aral Okay from Istanbul Technical University in Turkey also provided valuable input to the study.
The age and formation process of the East Anatolian fault have been successfully determined by the University of Minnesota Twin Cities-led research team. Though the findings cannot predict future earthquakes, they provide crucial insights into the seismic activity of the region and how major earthquakes have shaped the landscape over time. This knowledge can inform decision-making processes regarding infrastructure and housing placement, ultimately contributing to the safety and well-being of communities in earthquake-prone areas.
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