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Marmara Sea micro-earthquakes recorded near Princes' Islands
A series of micro-earthquakes has been recorded in the Marmara Sea, specifically in a 20 km radius south of the Princes' Islands. Between August 18 and August 20, 2026, Kandilli Observatory detected 117 tremors with magnitudes ranging from 0.7 to 3.1.
Seismologists and the AFAD Earthquake Science Board have clarified that this activity is a 'micro-earthquake sequence' caused by routine tectonic movements. Experts, including Prof. Dr. Cenk Yaltırak, noted that these tremors result from secondary faults reacting to stress on the main fault lines and do not directly trigger a major earthquake.
While the activity has caused public concern, officials emphasize that a tremor can only be classified as a 'foreshock' after a large earthquake has actually occurred. Monitoring of the region continues 24/7 to track depth, location, and mechanism.
Entities
AFAD · Cenk Yaltırak · Hasan Sözbilir · Istanbul · Kandilli Observatory · Marmara Sea · Princes' Islands
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The AFAD Earthquake Science Board stated there is no scientific basis to interpret the micro-earthquake activity as a precursor to a major earthquake. www.karar.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Kandilli Observatory detected 117 earthquakes in a 20 km radius south of the Princes' Islands between August 18 and August 20. www.eskisehir.net · dokuzeylul.com · www.beyazgundem.com · halktv.com.tr
- [● 5 SOURCES] Prof. Dr. Cenk Yaltırak explained that the Marmara Sea experiences routine seismic activity due to secondary faults reacting to stress on main faults. www.gazetepencere.com · www.aydinlik.com.tr · www.eskisehir.net · www.milligazete.com.tr
- [DISPUTED] The detected earthquakes had magnitudes ranging from 0.7 to 3.1. www.eskisehir.net · www.beyazgundem.com · dokuzeylul.com · halktv.com.tr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Prof. Dr. Hasan Sözbilir noted that whether a tremor is a foreshock can only be determined after a large earthquake occurs. www.karar.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Prof. Dr. Osman Bektaş emphasized that the deep micro-earthquake activity on the Princes' Islands fault must be closely monitored. www.tgrthaber.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Prof. Dr. Okan Tüysüz stated the micro-earthquakes cannot be considered indicators of a major earthquake. www.dikgazete.com