1992 Erzincan earthquake
On 13 March, the 1992 Erzincan earthquake struck eastern Turkey with a moment magnitude of 6.7 and a maximum Mercalli intensity of VIII (Severe). Originating on the North Anatolian Fault, it rocked the country, leaving at least 498 people dead, roughly 2,000 injured, and an unknown amount missing. Total financial losses amounted to $13.5 million (American dollars).
  | |
| UTC time | 1992-03-13 17:18:39 |
|---|---|
| ISC event | 299638 |
| USGS-ANSS | ComCat |
| Local date | 13 March 1992 |
| Local time | 8:18:39 pm |
| Magnitude | 6.7 Mw[1] |
| Depth | 20 km (12 mi)[1] |
| Epicenter | 39.71°N 39.6°E[1] |
| Fault | North Anatolian Fault |
| Type | Strike-slip[2] |
| Total damage | $13.5 million[2] |
| Max. intensity | VIII (Severe)[2] |
| Casualties | 498–652 dead[2] 2,000 injured[2] |
Geology
Eastern Turkey is dominated by the North Anatolian Fault. The Erzincan basin lies on the intersection of this fault on its northern side. Monitored by more than 10 seismographs, this basin has also provided focal points to at least one past earthquake in 1939.[3]
Earthquake
At 6.7 on the moment magnitude scale, the earthquake was designated as "strong". It was responsible for more than 490 deaths, spread throughout the country of Turkey. More than 3,000 aftershocks rocked the area afterwards.[4]
Aftermath
The provision of housing following the earthquake is now listed by the Chamber of Civil Engineers in Turkey as one of Fifty civil engineering feats in Turkey.
References
- ISC (2015), ISC-GEM Global Instrumental Earthquake Catalogue (1900–2009), Version 2.0, International Seismological Centre
- USGS (4 September 2009), PAGER-CAT Earthquake Catalog, Version 2008_06.1, United States Geological Survey
- Grosser, H.; Baumbach, M.; Berckhemer, H.; Baier, B.; Karahan, A.; Schelle, H.; Krüger, F.; Paulat, A.; Michel, G.; Demirtas, R.; Gencoglu, S.; Yilmaz, R. (1998). "The Erzincan (Turkey) Earthquake (Ms 6.8) of March 13, 1992 and its Aftershock Sequence". Pure and Applied Geophysics. 152 (3): 465–505. Bibcode:1998PApGe.152..465G. doi:10.1007/s000240050163.
- "Today in Earthquake History: March 13". 18 December 2009. Retrieved 13 March 2010.
Further reading
- Fuenzalida, H.; Dorbath, L.; Cisternas, A.; Eyidogan, H.; Barka, A.; Rivera, L.; Haessler, H.; Philip, H.; Lyberis, N. (1997), "Mechanism of the 1992 Erzincan earthquake and its aftershocks, tectonics of the Erzincan Basin and decoupling on the North Anatolian Fault", Geophysical Journal International, 129 (1): 1–28, Bibcode:1997GeoJI.129....1F, doi:10.1111/j.1365-246X.1997.tb00935.x
- Williams, M.S. & Pomonis, A. & Booth, E.D. & Vaciago, G. & Ring, S. (1992). The Erzincan, Turkey Earthquake of March 1992: A Filed Report by EEFIT.
External links
- The International Seismological Centre has a bibliography and/or authoritative data for this event.