The fault lines around Lake Van are being examined within the scope of the 8.5 million lira “Determination of Paleoseismological Characteristics of Active Faults in Turkey” project supported by TÜBİTAK. The project aims to conduct detailed examinations in the Yüksekova-Şemdinli Fault Zone, Başkale, Erciş and Tutak fault zones. The research team led by Van Disaster Management and Earthquake Application and Research Center Director Prof. Dr. Azad Sağlam Selçuk, Prof. Dr. Levent Selçuk and Dr. Faculty Member Sacit Mutlu continues their work to determine active faults in the region and predict possible earthquakes in the future.
Project Carried Out with 8.5 Million Lira Support
Deputy Director of the Disaster Management and Earthquake Application and Research Center, Dr. Faculty Member Sacit Mutlu stated that the project examines the fault lines north and south of Lake Van. Within the scope of the approximately 8.5 million lira TÜBİTAK-supported project, the fault lines around Lake Van are being meticulously examined and their earthquake potentials are being investigated. Studies are ongoing, especially on the Şemdinli-Yüksekova Fault Zone, Başkale Fault Zone, Erciş Fault Zone and Tutak Fault Zone. Past earthquakes in the region and the future dangers of these faults are being determined.
Future Hazards and Earthquake Potential of Faults
Dr. Faculty Member Sacit Mutlu emphasized that they continue their field work with the high-resolution data they have obtained. He stated that they aim to determine the potential of possible earthquakes in the future by conducting detailed examinations on fault lines with drone images and paleoseismological excavations. Mutlu stated that the project will provide important data for urban planning and infrastructure studies and that they are trying to reveal future earthquake risks by determining the past activities of the fault lines in the region.
