The Science Behind the Massive Turkey-Syria Earthquakes | WSJ

Summary

On February 6th, a series of catastrophic earthquakes hit the Turkish-Syrian border, with the most powerful being a 7.8 magnitude quake. The region, where three tectonic plates converge, experienced a devastating strike-slip earthquake due to the unique pressure from the Anatolia, Eurasia, and Arabia plates. The quakes resulted in a humanitarian and economic crisis, with thousands dead and more missing. The area is tectonically active, with a history of large earthquakes, and while the potential for further disruption remains uncertain, the convergence ensures future seismic activity.

Takeaways

• 🌏 Powerful earthquakes struck the Turkish-Syrian border on February 6th, with the first being a 7.8 magnitude quake, the largest in centuries for the region.
• 🏗️ The earthquakes caused widespread destruction, with thousands reported dead and many more missing, leading to a humanitarian and economic crisis.
• 🔍 The region's seismic activity is due to the convergence of three tectonic plates, causing a unique and potentially devastating type of earthquake.
• 📍 The first quake's epicenter was near Gazientep, Turkey, where the town is particularly vulnerable due to its proximity to the meeting of two tectonic plates.
• 🌌 Tectonic plates are massive rock slabs that are constantly moving, with most earthquakes occurring at their boundaries.
• 🔄 The Anatolia plate, a microplate, is under constant pressure from the Arabia plate pushing against the Eurasia plate.
• 🔄 The Anatolian plate is caught in a geological vise, with friction from the Africa plate adding to the stress.
• 📉 The earthquakes were strike-slip earthquakes, occurring when friction builds up between plates and they suddenly slip.
• ⏳ USGS estimates that the strain released in the 7.8 magnitude quake represents 3 to 500 years' worth of accumulated stress.
• 💥 The energy released in the quakes is comparable to the 1980 Mount St. Helen's volcanic eruption, indicating the scale of the seismic events.
• 🔍 The region's complex tectonics, involving four different plates, have led to a history of devastating earthquakes, including a 7.4 magnitude quake in 1999 that caused 17,000 deaths.
• 🤔 Experts are unsure if the recent quakes will trigger a third, as they may either increase or relieve strain on nearby faults.
• ⏳ Despite uncertainty about immediate future events, the convergence of three plates in the region guarantees more earthquakes in the future.

Q & A

What series of events occurred on February 6th at the Turkish-Syrian border?

On February 6th, a series of powerful earthquakes struck the Turkish-Syrian border. The first, most powerful earthquake was a 7.8 magnitude quake, followed by a 7.5 magnitude quake in the afternoon, both accompanied by a series of aftershocks.

Why is the region around the Turkish-Syrian border prone to large earthquakes?

The region is prone to large earthquakes due to the convergence of three tectonic plates beneath the surface, which cause a unique and potentially devastating type of earthquake.

What is the significance of the Anatolia tectonic plate in the context of the earthquakes?

The Anatolia tectonic plate, being a microplate due to its small size, is constantly under pressure as it is pressed upward against the Eurasia plate by the Arabia plate, causing it to move westward and face friction from the Africa plate.

How deep was the first earthquake's epicenter located?

The first earthquake's epicenter was located 11 miles under the town of Gazientep, Turkey, which is considered shallow for a major quake.

What type of faults are the boundaries between the Anatolia plate and the Africa and Arabia plates?

The boundaries between the Anatolia plate and the Africa and Arabia plates are strike-slip faults, where the plates slide against each other when friction builds up and is released in an earthquake.

What is the process that leads to a strike-slip earthquake?

A strike-slip earthquake occurs when the strain builds up between plates that are being pushed in different directions. Eventually, the accumulated strain ruptures, releasing energy in the form of a large earthquake.

How does the USGS estimate the duration of strain accumulation before the 7.8 magnitude quake in Gazientep?

The USGS estimates that the strain accumulation before the 7.8 magnitude quake in Gazientep is equivalent to 3 to 500 years' worth, since the last significant earthquake in the area.

What was the energy released during the 7.8 magnitude quake in Gazientep compared to?

The energy released during the 7.8 magnitude quake in Gazientep is comparable to that released during the explosive 1980 Mount St. Helen's volcanic eruption.

How many aftershocks followed the two major earthquakes?

More than 285 aftershocks followed the two major earthquakes in the Turkish-Syrian border region.

What is the historical context of large earthquakes in the region?

The region has a long history of devastating earthquakes, including a 1966 quake that killed over 2,000 people and the 600-mile North Anatolian fault that produced seven large strike-slip earthquakes from 1939 to 1999.

What is the potential economic impact of the recent earthquakes according to the USGS?

The USGS estimates that there could be billions in economic losses due to the destruction caused by the recent earthquakes.

What is uncertain regarding the potential for further earthquakes in the region?

Experts are unsure whether the recent earthquakes may put extra strain on nearby faults, potentially increasing the likelihood of further earthquakes, or relieve some of the strain, making further earthquakes less likely.

What is the long-term outlook for earthquakes in the region due to the three-plate convergence?

Due to the three-plate convergence, it's not a question of if there will be another earthquake in the region, but rather a question of when the next one will occur.

Outlines

00:00

🌏 Earthquake Devastation at the Turkish-Syrian Border

On February 6th, a series of powerful earthquakes with the first being a 7.8 magnitude, struck the Turkish-Syrian border, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The region, known for its tectonic activity, has not experienced an earthquake of this scale in centuries. The first quake was particularly shallow at 11 miles deep, under the town of Gazientep, Turkey, which is situated near the meeting of two tectonic plates. The Anatolian microplate is under constant pressure from the Arabia plate pushing it against the Eurasia plate, and the Africa plate moving upward. This pressure results in strike-slip earthquakes, which occur when friction builds up along the fault lines and is suddenly released. The USGS estimates that the strain released from the 7.8 magnitude quake is equivalent to the energy released during the 1980 Mount St. Helen's volcanic eruption. The second quake, a 7.5 magnitude, occurred in Ekinozu, just six miles deep, with over 285 aftershocks following. The area is considered tectonically active and unstable, with a history of devastating earthquakes, including a 7.4 magnitude quake in 1999 that resulted in 17,000 deaths. The current quakes have led to significant economic losses and a long recovery process.

05:02

🔍 Future Earthquakes in the Tectonically Complex Region

The script's second paragraph delves into the uncertainty surrounding the potential for further earthquakes in the region following the two major quakes. Experts are unsure whether the recent seismic activity increases or decreases the likelihood of additional earthquakes due to the complex interaction of three tectonic plates. Despite this uncertainty, the convergence of these plates makes it inevitable that another earthquake will occur in the future. The region's tectonic complexity is highlighted by the interaction of four different plates, which contributes to its history of devastating earthquakes. The 1966 earthquake, which resulted in over 2,000 deaths, and the North Anatolian fault's seven large earthquakes from 1939 to 1999, underscore the region's vulnerability to seismic events. While the area had not experienced a large earthquake since 1999, making it 'overdue' for a significant event, the recent quakes have raised questions about the potential for future seismic disruptions.

Keywords

💡Earthquake

An earthquake is a sudden and violent shaking of the ground, often causing significant destruction. In the video, a series of powerful earthquakes struck the Turkish-Syrian border on February 6th, leading to massive destruction and loss of life. The main focus is on two major quakes of magnitudes 7.8 and 7.5, and their subsequent aftershocks.

💡Tectonic Plates

Tectonic plates are massive slabs of rock that make up the Earth's crust and are constantly moving. The video explains that the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria were caused by the movement of the Anatolia, Eurasia, Arabia, and Africa plates. These movements create significant pressure and friction, leading to the strike-slip earthquakes discussed.

💡Strike-slip Fault

A strike-slip fault is a type of fault where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally. The video highlights that the earthquakes in this region were caused by the movement along such faults, particularly between the Anatolia plate and the Arabia and Africa plates. This sliding movement builds up strain that is eventually released as an earthquake.

💡Aftershocks

Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes that follow the main shock of a larger earthquake. The video mentions that after the initial 7.8 magnitude quake, there were numerous aftershocks, including a significant 7.5 magnitude quake later the same day. These aftershocks continue to shake the region, causing further destruction and complicating rescue efforts.

💡Magnitude

Magnitude measures the size or energy release of an earthquake. The video details that the first earthquake had a magnitude of 7.8, and the subsequent significant aftershock was 7.5. These high-magnitude quakes caused extensive damage and are comparable to other major historical earthquakes in terms of energy release.

💡Humanitarian Crisis

A humanitarian crisis refers to a large-scale event that threatens the health, safety, and well-being of a large group of people. The video describes the aftermath of the earthquakes as a humanitarian crisis, with thousands of people reported dead and many more missing, highlighting the urgent need for rescue and aid.

💡Economic Crisis

An economic crisis is a severe and sudden downturn in the economy, often caused by a significant event. The video predicts that the earthquakes will result in billions of dollars in economic losses due to the destruction of infrastructure, homes, and businesses, further impacting the affected regions' ability to recover.

💡USGS

USGS stands for the United States Geological Survey, a scientific agency of the U.S. government that studies natural resources and natural hazards. In the video, the USGS provides estimates and information about the earthquakes, including their magnitudes, locations, and potential future risks in the region.

💡Anatolia Tectonic Plate

The Anatolia tectonic plate, also called the Anatolian microplate, is a small tectonic plate located in Turkey. The video explains that this plate is under constant pressure from the surrounding Eurasia, Arabia, and Africa plates, making the region highly susceptible to earthquakes, such as the ones discussed.

💡Convergence

Convergence in geology refers to the coming together of tectonic plates. The video discusses how the convergence of the Eurasia, Arabia, and Africa plates creates significant geological pressure in the region, leading to frequent and potentially devastating earthquakes. This convergence is a key factor in the tectonic activity observed.

Highlights

A series of powerful successive earthquakes struck the Turkish-Syrian border on February 6th, the first being a 7.8 magnitude quake.

The region hasn't seen an earthquake of this size in centuries.

Destruction followed as aftershocks hit the region, and a second 7.5 magnitude quake struck in the afternoon.

Thousands of people are reported dead, and even more are still missing, resulting in a humanitarian and economic crisis.

The earthquakes occurred because the region sits where three tectonic plates converge, causing unique and devastating quakes.

The first quake was located 11 miles under Gazientep, Turkey, which is shallow for a major quake.

The Anatolia tectonic plate is under pressure from the Eurasia and Arabia plates, causing the Anatolia plate to move westward.

This movement causes friction between the Anatolia plate and the Africa and Arabia plates, resulting in strike-slip faults.

Strike-slip earthquakes occur when the strain between plates builds up and then suddenly releases.

The first quake in Gazientep resulted from a strike-slip along about 100 miles of the fault, releasing 3 to 500 years' worth of strain.

The energy released in the first quake was comparable to the 1980 Mount St. Helen's volcanic eruption.

A second 7.5 magnitude quake occurred in Ekinozu, just six miles down, nine hours after the first.

More than 285 aftershocks have followed the two major quakes.

USGS describes the area as tectonically active and unstable, due to the interaction of four different plates.

Historically, the region has experienced devastating earthquakes, including one in 1966 that killed over 2,000 people.

The North Anatolian fault has produced seven large strike-slip earthquakes from 1939 to 1999.

Since 1970, three earthquakes of magnitude six or larger have occurred within 155 miles of the recent quakes, but none as large since 1999.

Experts indicate that the region was overdue for a large earthquake due to the long period since the last major quake in 1999.

The 1999 earthquake was a 7.4 magnitude quake causing an estimated 17,000 deaths.

Current estimates suggest billions in economic losses from the recent quakes.

Recovery from the destruction and loss of life will take years.

Experts are uncertain if the two quakes will trigger a third, as it could either increase or relieve strain on nearby faults.

Due to the convergence of three tectonic plates, another earthquake in the region is not a question of if, but when.

Transcripts

- [Narrator] A series of powerful successive earthquakes

struck the Turkish-Syrian border on February 6th.

The first and most powerful was a 7.8 magnitude quake.

- This region certainly

hasn't seen an earthquake this size in centuries.

- [Narrator] Destruction followed

(buildings shaking)

as aftershocks hit the region.

Then a second 7.5 magnitude quake hit in the afternoon,

followed by its own series of aftershocks.

In their wake, a humanitarian and economic crisis.

(building collapsing)

Thousands of people are reported dead

and even more are still missing.

It's not the first time this region

has suffered a violent quake and it won't be the last.

To understand why, you have to look

under the surface where three tectonic plates converge.

Together, these plates cause a unique

and potentially devastating type of earthquake.

The first quake was located here,

11 miles under the town of Gazientep, Turkey.

11 miles may sound deep

but that's actually shallow for a major quake.

The town is especially vulnerable

because it sits near the meeting of two tectonic plates.

Tectonic plates are massive slabs of rock

on the Earth's crust from 10 miles

to 160 miles thick that are always slowly moving.

- You can take the Earth and divide it up

into several large plates that are all moving

around each other, and most earthquakes occur

at the boundaries between those plates.

- [Narrator] This one is called the Anatolia tectonic plate.

It's actually a microplate due

to its tiny size and it's constantly under pressure.

That's because it's being pressed upward

against the Eurasia plate by the Arabia plate.

That pressure is squeezing the Anatolia plate westward

where it faces even more friction from the Africa plate,

which is also moving upward.

- The Anatolian microplate is caught

in a vise between the Arabian plate moving

to the north against the Eurasian plate,

and this small plate is being pushed aside

as a result of that motion.

- [Narrator] That means the boundaries

between the Anatolia plate and the Africa

and Arabia plates are trying to slide against each other

as the Anatolia moves to the west

and the Africa and Arabia move to the east.

These borders are called strike-slip faults

and when the friction builds up between the plates

as they're pushed in different directions

until it's too much, they slip.

That's a strike-slip earthquake.

- The strain will build up and finally, it will rupture

and release all that accumulated strain

in a large earthquake.

That's what happened in Gazientep,

resulting in that 7.8 magnitude quake.

USGS estimates that the strike-slip occurred

along about 100 miles of the fault

about 20 miles shorter than most strike-slip earthquakes.

- These are significant earthquakes for this fault system

and so that is probably an accumulation

of 3 to 500 years' worth

of strain that's built up since the last earthquake.

- [Narrator] Experts say the energy released

in that slip is comparable

to that released during the explosive

1980 Mount St. Helen's volcanic eruption.

The same thing happened nine hours later in Ekinozu,

resulting in a 7.5 magnitude quake.

This one was just six miles down.

More than 285 aftershocks have followed both quakes.

USGS has called the area tectonically active and unstable.

- This region is certainly one

of the more complicated parts of the world

because there are four different plates interacting,

so it becomes a region with very complex tectonics.

- [Narrator] Those complex tectonics are responsible

for a long history of devastating quakes,

like this quake from 1966 that killed over 2,000 people.

- [Reporter] Towns and villages

in 19 provinces are almost totally destroyed.

- [Narrator] The 600-mile North Anatolian fault

produced seven large strike-slip earthquakes

from 1939 to 1999,

and three earthquakes of magnitude six or larger

have occurred within 155 miles of Monday's earthquakes

since 1970 but there hasn't been

a large earthquake since 1999.

- Because this region hasn't seen a large earthquake

for a while, it was was overdue.

- [Narrator] That 1999 quake was a 7.4 magnitude

and caused an estimated 17,000 deaths.

For now, USGS estimates there could be billions

in economic losses.

- The biggest thing is the destruction and loss of life

and it's gonna take them years for recovery.

- [Narrator] But will there be more disruption

if the two quakes spark a third?

Experts aren't sure.

- It may put extra strain on some of the nearby faults

or it may relieve some of the strain on the nearby faults,

so it'll take some time to figure out

whether further earthquakes are more likely

or less likely in this region.

- [Narrator] But due to the three-plate convergence,

it's not a question of if there will be another earthquake,

it's a question of when.

(pensive music)