Analysis of Denizli earthquakes according to their activity and cumulative activity terms

In this study spatial behaviour of local earthquake activity regime of Denizli and its surrounding areas, outlined by the coordinates (37.26-38.30N; 28.39-29.75E), has been investigated. It has not been met an earthquake of magnitude 7.0 and greater in the region having historical earthquake records since 60 AD. According to earthquake databank of Bogazici University Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute, 1485 earthquakes of magnitude M3.0 have occurred in the region until December 31, 2006. During the instrumental period starting with the year of 1900, two different earthquake activities of which one has a more calm outlook probably due to lack of data, and the other one has a dense activity in the NW-SE direction, have been observed. On the basis of both the most active years and the activity periods, it is shown that the earthquake activity between 1971-2006 has occurred at the two ends of a fault zone in NW-SE direction and by in succession. Although the faulting progress is not pure periodical process, it may be said that it shows an activity in a specific order and periods. By this harmony, the next activity can be observed in the SE end of the fault zone. The faults in the region may produce earthquakes with a magnitude equal to 6.7 (IO=IX) or greater. The earthquake activity in the region has 5 different subperiods. These subperiods are the processes showing the changes in the seismic activity. From two analyses performed according to activity and cumulative activity terms, it has been inferred that the subperiod of 1992-2001, which is termed as 4th activity term in this study, is the most active term. The 5th activity term has still continued with the similar attributes as in the 4th activity term. The earthquake activity in Denizli and its surroundings has a recurrence period of 24 years for a magnitude of 5.5 earthquake which is a destructive earthquake for Turkey. This regime has been a very good example of the earthquake phenomenon defined as a faulting progress.

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