Is There a Possibility of Activity in Fault Lines?
Altınbaş University Faculty of Engineering and Architecture Professor Dr. Hasgür evaluated the Gemlik earthquakes, stating, "We cannot say that these earthquakes pose a danger to the North Anatolian Fault Line; they should be monitored.
The earthquakes with magnitudes of 5.1 and 4.5 that occurred three minutes apart in the Gulf of Gemlik were felt in the Marmara region. The discussions about the anticipated major Istanbul earthquake were brought to the agenda, especially due to the tremors being felt in Istanbul.
Professor Dr. Zeki Hasgür, an expert in earthquake engineering and a faculty member in the Department of Civil Engineering at Altınbaş University, evaluated the earthquakes that occurred in the Gulf of Gemlik. He stated that because there had been no rupture in the region before, this was an expected earthquake in the South Marmara region.
Prof. Dr. Zeki Hasgür said, "The North Marmara fault line ruptured in 1999. However, there has been no rupture in the South Marmara during this time. After the earthquakes on February 6, the tension in the already stressed and uplifted South Marmara increased. We can consider the 5.1 magnitude earthquake as an expected one. However, these are indicative, precursor earthquakes. We can expect earthquakes like these with a magnitude of 5.1. It should be monitored."
Prof. Dr. Zeki Hasgür commented, "We cannot say that the Gemlik earthquake affects the North Anatolian Fault Line. We should monitor them as precursor earthquakes. It is also an indication that activity will increase in this region."