Earthsci 2240 - Samos earthquake report 1

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Western University *

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2240

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Geology

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Oct 30, 2023

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Samian Seismicity: 2020 Earthquake Insights Angarika Nehra 251280139 October 10, 2023 Earth Sciences 2240F

Table of Contents Page 1. Introduction 2 1.1 Geological Factors Leading to the 2020 Samos Earthquake 2 1.1.1 The 2020 Samos Earthquake: Occurrence and Characteristics 3 1.1.2 Immediate Consequences and Long-term Effects 4 1.1.3 Takeaways from the 2020 Samos Earthquake 5 1.2 Report Aim 5 2. References 6 2. Illustrations Figure 1 Movement and location of Plates 2 Figure 2 Epicentre and aftershock of earthquake 3 Figure 3 Aftermath of earthquake in Turkey 4 Figure 4 Aftermath of earthquake in Greece 4 1

1. INTRODUCTION On October 30, 2020, an earthquake with a magnitude of Mw7.0, 1 struck the eastern Greek island of Samos, and the nearby Turkish coast. Affecting hundreds of people, the Samos earthquake holds profound significance due to its immediate and profound impact. The aim of this report is to delve into the factors that led to the earthquake, its features, its impacts, and what we learned from it. 1.1 Geological Factors Leading to the 2020 Samos Earthquake The geological processes leading up to the 2020 Samos Earthquake are inextricably linked to the region's unique geological setting. Because of its location at the junction of the Eurasian, African, Arabian, and Anatolian tectonic plates, this region is subject to tremendous tectonic forces. 2 The earthquake struck near the interface of the Eurasian and African plates, where high pressure and stress had accumulated over time. The release of this stress, along with movement along the fault line, resulted in the seismic activity seen in 2020. This, along with subduction processes, in which one tectonic plate is thrust beneath another, contributed to this catastrophic event. Figure 1 – Movement and location of Plates 3 2

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1.1.1 The 2020 Samos Earthquake: Occurrence and Characteristics Although the earthquake's epicentre was in the Aegean Sea, 15 kilometres from the Greek island of Samos, its effects were felt up to 70 kilometres away. 4 The earthquake had a magnitude of about 7.0 on the Richter scale and occurred at a relatively shallow depth, 4 which amplified its impact on the region. The magnitude of the 2020 Samos Earthquake varied widely across different locations. The epicentre, in Samos, Greece, took the brunt of the seismic force, resulting in the most violent and deadly shaking. Nearby Turkish islands, such as Izmir, were also shaken, albeit slightly less violently than the centre. As one moved away from the epicentre towards mainland Turkey and the greater Aegean region, the intensity of the shaking was minimised. Figure 2 – Epicentre and aftershock of earthquake 6 3

1.1.2 Immediate Consequences and Long-term Effects The Samos Earthquake of 2020, which struck the region surrounding Samos, Greece, and nearby Turkish islands, triggered a chain reaction of immediate consequences. A total of 17 buildings collapsed in Izmir, 5 and infrastructure in both Samos and Izmir crumbled due to the magnitude of the earthquake. Unfortunately, this resulted in the death of 117 people and injured hundreds more, particularly at the earthquake's epicentre, where falling debris and building collapses posed major hazards to human safety. 3 Furthermore, the earthquake triggered surface deformation, changes in water level, and even tsunamis, all of which posed further threats to citizens. 6 Local authorities, emergency agencies, and volunteers worked tirelessly to find and assist individuals buried beneath rubble, and search and rescue efforts were quickly launched in response. 5 Residents were evacuated as the location was insecure due to damaged structures and the threat of aftershocks. Moreover, disrupted services including as electricity, water supply, and transportation hampered response efforts and significantly impacted daily living. Figure 3 – Aftermath of earthquake in Turkey 8 Figure 4 – Aftermath of earthquake in Greece 9 The long-term effects of the Samos Earthquake were felt over an extended period of reconstruction and recovery. Repairing damaged infrastructure, reconnecting utilities, and repairing transportation networks were all critical parts of the region's recovery. The earthquake's economic consequences, on the other hand, remained substantial, with the costs of rehabilitation, productivity 4

losses, and economic disruption exacting a huge toll. Furthermore, the disaster left a psychological imprint, with people dealing with trauma, anxiety, and stress, necessitating ongoing mental health care. 5 1.1.3 Takeaways from the 2020 Samos Earthquake On the positive side, this earthquake sparked a debate about earthquake preparedness, prompting a reassessment of building codes, the development of strong emergency response plans, and public awareness campaigns to strengthen resilience against future seismic events. 5 It highlighted the need for developing early warning signs, similar to those used in other earthquake-prone countries such as Japan and Mexico. 10 1.2 Report Aim The goal of this report is to delve into the 2020 Samos Earthquake and look at the geological factors, characteristics, immediate consequences, and long-term effects it had on the citizens and environment. It offers valuable insights into seismic events, promoting preparedness and resilience, while expanding our understanding of earthquakes. 5

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2.REFERENCES 1. Rupture process of the 2020 Samos earthquake: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0040195122002918#:~:text=Aktu %C4%9F%20et%20al.,Foumelis%20et%20al . (accessed Oct 8, 2023) 2. Cause of Samos earthquake: https://www.npr.org/2023/02/07/1154913148/turkey-earthquake- fault-lines-syria#:~:text=This%20was%20a%20%22strike%2Dslip,sliding%20past%20the %20Anatolian%20Plate . (accessed Oct 8, 2023) 3. Damage observed in Izmir: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11069-021-05085-x (accessed Oct 10, 2023) 4. Source model depicting complexity and rupture directivity: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0040195122003857 (accessed Oct 9, 2023) 5. Samos Island Earthquake Report: https://learningfromearthquakes.org/images/earthquakes/2020_Samos_Greece_Izmir_Turkey/Sa mos_Island_Earthquake_Final_Report.pdf (accessed Oct 10, 2023) 6. Environmental Effects Triggered by Samos earthquake: https://www.mdpi.com/2076- 3417/11/7/3281#:~:text=According%20to%20preliminary%20reports%2C%20the,16%5D %20have%20also%20been%20reported . (accessed Oct 7, 2023) 7. Reconnaissance of 2020 M 7.0 Samos Island (Aegean Sea) earthquake: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10518-021-01212-y (accessed Oct 8, 2023) 8. Earthquake Strikes In Aegean Sea: https://www.npr.org/2020/10/30/929478938/7-0-magnitude- earthquake-strikes-in-aegean-sea-4-dead-in-turkey (accessed Oct 10) 9. Earthquake hits Greece and Turkey: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-54749509 (accessed Oct 8, 2023) 10. Emergency response to Samos earthquake: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10518-022- 01317-y (accessed Oct 10, 2023) 6