Recent seismic activity at Mount Athos has sparked concerns among scientists, as tremors measuring 4.1 and 4.2 on the Richter scale were recorded after 1:00 PM on Monday, August 12th. These quakes add to a series of tremors that have been ongoing since August 7th, prompting experts to exercise increased caution.
Seismic Swarm Continues to Evolve
Professor Kostas Papazachos, a geologist at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, explained that this series of tremors, known as a seismic swarm, could produce earthquakes of varying magnitudes, potentially reaching up to 5.0 on the Richter scale. “A seismic swarm can last for days, weeks, or even months, and in rare cases, it can persist for over a year,” Papazachos noted. He referenced the 18-month seismic swarm in Psachna, Evia, as a rare but possible scenario.
While the most likely outcome is a gradual decrease in activity, Papazachos cautioned that a more powerful earthquake cannot be ruled out. “Given the fault’s ongoing activity and the affected area’s length, it’s not improbable that we could see stronger seismic activity in the coming days or even later.”
Urgent Need for Preparedness
Drawing a parallel to the Arkalochori earthquake, Papazachos stressed the importance of preparedness. He urged the state and the authorities of Mount Athos to be ready for a potential worst-case scenario. “When a fault shows signs of activity, we must hope for the best while preparing for the worst,” he said. He emphasized that the current sequence could either taper off in the coming weeks or lead to more severe developments, underscoring the need for immediate preventive measures to mitigate the impact of a stronger quake.
Historic Monasteries at Risk
Papazachos also highlighted the vulnerability of the historic monasteries on Mount Athos, some of which are in poor structural condition. “In areas close to the epicenter, especially in the monasteries, which are historic buildings lacking modern seismic reinforcements, we must be extremely cautious. These structures are at significant risk if a stronger earthquake occurs,” he warned.
He advised against using any buildings that are in disrepair or structurally unsound, as a sudden tremor with a magnitude of 5.2 or 6.1 could have devastating consequences.
Authorities Urged to Act
Papazachos concluded by calling on the authorities of both Mount Athos and the Greek state to take immediate action. “We need to evaluate the ongoing seismic activity seriously and implement basic precautionary measures that are typically taken in regions experiencing seismic disturbances,” he urged.
The latest earthquakes, with a magnitude of 4.2, struck Mount Athos on August 13th, with tremors felt across Central Macedonia and even in Kavala. The epicenter was located 11 km east-southeast of Ouranoupolis, with a focal depth of 15 km.
Source: grtimes.gr
Additional Facts:
- Mount Athos is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its historic monasteries that date back over a thousand years. The region’s religious significance and architectural heritage make it a crucial area of concern during seismic events.
- Greece is one of the most seismically active countries in Europe, with a long history of significant earthquakes. The country’s complex tectonic setting is due to the convergence of the African and Eurasian plates.
- Recent Earthquake Trends: Greece has experienced several notable earthquakes in recent years, including a 6.7 magnitude quake in the Aegean Sea in October 2020 and a 6.0 magnitude quake in central Greece in March 2021. These events highlight the ongoing seismic risks in the region.
