Clock ticking for an Istanbul earthquake

A wake-up call for seismic-hazard preparedness in Turkey.

Katherine Barnes


The earthquake that hit Turkey on 8 March has triggered concerns that a quake might strike Istanbul.STR/AFP/Getty Images


The magnitude-6.1 earthquake that hit eastern Turkey at 2:32 GMT on 8 March has provoked fresh concerns over whether Istanbul could be the next Turkish site to be hit by a major tremor — and whether it is adequately prepared should a quake strike.

According to data from the US Geological Survey, the epicentre of the recent quake was 70 kilometres from the city of Elaziğ and about 625 kilometres east of Turkey's capital, Ankara. The earthquake toppled buildings and flattened homes, injuring at least 100 people and killing 41.

Turkey is criss-crossed by faults, produced by the African plate pressing into the Anatolian block. Most of the country is being pushed and squeezed to the west between the North and East Anatolian faults. The Elaziğ earthquake is thought to have occurred on the East Anatolian fault.

http://www.nature.com/news/2010/100312/full/news.2010.121.html