The rocks beneath the Sea of ??Marmara near Istanbul have been under gradual, intense pressure for a long time without major earthquakes, which could lead to a dangerous rupture. These rocks are located near the coast of Istanbul, where the fault has been gradually accumulating pressure without any major earthquakes for more than 250 years. A recent scientific study has revealed a small but significant difference in the hardness of rocks hidden beneath the Sea of ??Marmara, under the dangerous rift of northern Anatolia, which could be a potential cause of major earthquakes in the future. These results help understand the mechanism of the rupture and contribute to better prediction of earthquakes in the Istanbul region, as reported by the site SciTechDaily, citing the journal Geology. According to Al Arabiya’s report, experts have elucidated the internal structure of this “invisible” fault through advanced electromagnetic imaging technology, revealing new information about the region’s earthquake hazards and the forces operating deep within the Earth. According to scientists, this silent section, 15 to 20 kilometers long, is locked and under constant tension. It is estimated that if the accumulated pressure were suddenly released, an earthquake of magnitude 7.1 to 7.4 could occur. The last major rupture in this section was recorded in 1766. The report states that Turkey is among the areas in the world most susceptible to earthquakes, as the Eurasian, African, Arabian and Anatolian tectonic plates interact with each other. According to experts, this area, called the Princes Islands Segment, is a large seismic gap where historically large earthquakes have occurred at intervals of about 200 to 250 years. Scientists from various institutions, including the Institute of Science Tokyo, have identified these high-stress areas using 3D models and long-term monitoring of the sea floor. Measurements taken on the seabed indicate that the fault is tightly bound and that if energy were released, a landslide of more than four meters is possible. This section is located south of the city of Istanbul, which could have catastrophic effects similar to the 1999 earthquake. Research shows that this area plays a central role in the seismic risk of the entire region. Experts have warned that this constantly accumulating pressure could be released at any time in the form of a major earthquake, so it is extremely important for the relevant governments to formulate preparedness and safety planning strategies.
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