2011 Kütahya earthquake
Encyclopedia
The 2011 Kütahya earthquake was a strong magnitude 5.8 Mw
earthquake
that struck inland near a populous region of western Turkey
at 23:15 EEST
(20:15 UTC) on Thursday, 19 May 2011. With an epicenter just to the east of Simav
, it occurred at an estimated depth of 9.1 kilometers (5.7 mi), resulting in strong shaking in much of Kütahya
.
The earthquake caused panic among many locals, and power was lost to most of Simav. A hospital in Simav reported an unknown number of injuries, and some buildings sustained damage. An elderly woman in İnegöl
suffered a heart attack in the immediate aftermath of the tremor, and was later confirmed dead. In Simav, one person was killed after being struck by a concrete block. The earthquake was succeeded by more than 450 weak aftershocks; the strongest registered at a magnitude of 4.6.
5.8 (Mw) earthquake occurred inland on 19 May 2011 at 20:15 UTC at a depth
of 9.1 km (5.7 mi), as a result of shallow intraplate
faulting in an area of north-south tectonic extension about 80 km (50 mi) west-southwest of Kütahya city
. High levels of seismic activity have been registered in the region; historically, it has been home to many destructive earthquakes. Preliminary analysis suggested the quake was triggered by a slip on an east–west trending normal fault. National seismologists identified the fault as the active Simav fault, which has previously generated earthquakes of similar intensities. Due to its magnitude, the quake was believed to have caused a surface rupture near the epicenter. Initial estimates from the United States Geological Survey
placed the intensity of the tremor at a magnitude of 6.0 (Mw), though this — as well as its focal depth — was revised shortly after. Concurrently, the quake was assigned a preliminary magnitude of 5.9 (ML
) by the Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute.
Owing to the shallow depth, powerful shaking was reported in many areas around the epicenter. Maximum ground motion in Simav was estimated at VII (very strong) on the Mercalli scale
; strong shaking (MM VI) was also reported in the two proximate small districts of Pazarlar
and Şaphane
. Most of Kütahya Province, as well as some parts of adjacent provinces, reported lighter shaking (MM V–IV), with weak tremors felt as far away as Istanbul
several hundred kilometers from the epicenter.
that struck Simav at 19:59 UTC, 23 minutes before the main shock. As of 20 May 2011, over 450 minor aftershocks were reported in the region. Cumulatively, a total of 8 measured magnitude 4.0 (ML) or greater; the strongest occurred near the epicenter at a magnitude of 4.6 (ML) about 10 minutes after the main shock. There were no immediate reports of additional damage following the tremors.
. Residents in over 10 provinces exited their homes and rushed into vehicles, with some people reportedly jumping from windows and balconies in panic upon the quake's occurrence. Power supply was cut to most of Simav in order to prevent fires, and telephone lines in the area were down. Hundreds of structures in Samiv sustained damage, particularly ranging from deep cracks to roof collapse. Several small fires were sparked by damaged stoves in collapsed apartments, and the tremor toppled furniture in most residences.
The earthquake injured a total 122 people; at least one person was reported to be in critical condition, and others suffered heart attacks and anxiety attacks. A man was killed after being struck in the head by a concrete block, while officials said an elderly woman in İnegöl
died from cardiac arrest after the quake. Other sources reported a third unidentified jump victim, though the validity of this claim remains uncertain.
Moment magnitude scale
The moment magnitude scale is used by seismologists to measure the size of earthquakes in terms of the energy released. The magnitude is based on the seismic moment of the earthquake, which is equal to the rigidity of the Earth multiplied by the average amount of slip on the fault and the size of...
earthquake
Earthquake
An earthquake is the result of a sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves. The seismicity, seismism or seismic activity of an area refers to the frequency, type and size of earthquakes experienced over a period of time...
that struck inland near a populous region of western Turkey
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
at 23:15 EEST
Eastern European Summer Time
Eastern European Summer Time is one of the names of UTC+3 time zone, 3 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time. It is used as a summer daylight saving time in some European, North African, and Middle Eastern countries...
(20:15 UTC) on Thursday, 19 May 2011. With an epicenter just to the east of Simav
Simav
Simav is a town and a district of Kütahya Province in the Aegean region of Turkey. The town is located on the Simav River.-External links:* * * *...
, it occurred at an estimated depth of 9.1 kilometers (5.7 mi), resulting in strong shaking in much of Kütahya
Kütahya Province
Kütahya Province is a province in the Aegean region of Turkey. It is 11,889 km² in size, and the population is 590,496 . In 1990, Kütahya had a population of 578,020.-Districts:...
.
The earthquake caused panic among many locals, and power was lost to most of Simav. A hospital in Simav reported an unknown number of injuries, and some buildings sustained damage. An elderly woman in İnegöl
Inegöl
İnegöl is a city in the Bursa Province of Turkey. It has a population of 287,000 . İnegöl is one of the centers of the Turkish furniture industry, and is also known for its Meatball İnegöl Köftesi, which finds its roots from pljeskavice brought to the region by Bosnian immigrants during the...
suffered a heart attack in the immediate aftermath of the tremor, and was later confirmed dead. In Simav, one person was killed after being struck by a concrete block. The earthquake was succeeded by more than 450 weak aftershocks; the strongest registered at a magnitude of 4.6.
Geology
The magnitudeMoment magnitude scale
The moment magnitude scale is used by seismologists to measure the size of earthquakes in terms of the energy released. The magnitude is based on the seismic moment of the earthquake, which is equal to the rigidity of the Earth multiplied by the average amount of slip on the fault and the size of...
5.8 (Mw) earthquake occurred inland on 19 May 2011 at 20:15 UTC at a depth
Hypocenter
The hypocenter refers to the site of an earthquake or a nuclear explosion...
of 9.1 km (5.7 mi), as a result of shallow intraplate
Intraplate earthquake
An intraplate earthquake is an earthquake that occurs in the interior of a tectonic plate, whereas an interplate earthquake is one that occurs at a plate boundary....
faulting in an area of north-south tectonic extension about 80 km (50 mi) west-southwest of Kütahya city
Kütahya
Kütahya is a city in western Turkey with 212,444 inhabitants , lying on the Porsuk river, at 969 metres above sea level. It is the capital of Kütahya Province, inhabited by some 517 804 people...
. High levels of seismic activity have been registered in the region; historically, it has been home to many destructive earthquakes. Preliminary analysis suggested the quake was triggered by a slip on an east–west trending normal fault. National seismologists identified the fault as the active Simav fault, which has previously generated earthquakes of similar intensities. Due to its magnitude, the quake was believed to have caused a surface rupture near the epicenter. Initial estimates from the United States Geological Survey
United States Geological Survey
The United States Geological Survey is a scientific agency of the United States government. The scientists of the USGS study the landscape of the United States, its natural resources, and the natural hazards that threaten it. The organization has four major science disciplines, concerning biology,...
placed the intensity of the tremor at a magnitude of 6.0 (Mw), though this — as well as its focal depth — was revised shortly after. Concurrently, the quake was assigned a preliminary magnitude of 5.9 (ML
Richter magnitude scale
The expression Richter magnitude scale refers to a number of ways to assign a single number to quantify the energy contained in an earthquake....
) by the Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute.
Owing to the shallow depth, powerful shaking was reported in many areas around the epicenter. Maximum ground motion in Simav was estimated at VII (very strong) on the Mercalli scale
Mercalli intensity scale
The Mercalli intensity scale is a seismic scale used for measuring the intensity of an earthquake. It measures the effects of an earthquake, and is distinct from the moment magnitude M_w usually reported for an earthquake , which is a measure of the energy released...
; strong shaking (MM VI) was also reported in the two proximate small districts of Pazarlar
Pazarlar
Pazarlar is a town and a district of Kütahya Province in the Aegean region of Turkey....
and Şaphane
Saphane
Şaphane, formerly Abşeker, is a town and district of Kütahya Province in the Aegean region of Turkey. According to 2000 census, population of the district is 11,715 of which 4,671 live in the town of Şaphane.General Information about Şaphane:TOURISM...
. Most of Kütahya Province, as well as some parts of adjacent provinces, reported lighter shaking (MM V–IV), with weak tremors felt as far away as Istanbul
Istanbul
Istanbul , historically known as Byzantium and Constantinople , is the largest city of Turkey. Istanbul metropolitan province had 13.26 million people living in it as of December, 2010, which is 18% of Turkey's population and the 3rd largest metropolitan area in Europe after London and...
several hundred kilometers from the epicenter.
| Date | Time (UTC) | ML (≥4.0) | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011-05-19 | 23:23:02 | 3.8 | Simav Simav Simav is a town and a district of Kütahya Province in the Aegean region of Turkey. The town is located on the Simav River.-External links:* * * *... , Kütahya Kütahya Province Kütahya Province is a province in the Aegean region of Turkey. It is 11,889 km² in size, and the population is 590,496 . In 1990, Kütahya had a population of 578,020.-Districts:... |
| 2011-05-19 | 23:15:22 | 5.9 | Simav Simav Simav is a town and a district of Kütahya Province in the Aegean region of Turkey. The town is located on the Simav River.-External links:* * * *... , Kütahya Kütahya Province Kütahya Province is a province in the Aegean region of Turkey. It is 11,889 km² in size, and the population is 590,496 . In 1990, Kütahya had a population of 578,020.-Districts:... |
| 2011-05-19 | 23:25:32 | 4.6 | Simav Simav Simav is a town and a district of Kütahya Province in the Aegean region of Turkey. The town is located on the Simav River.-External links:* * * *... , Kütahya Kütahya Province Kütahya Province is a province in the Aegean region of Turkey. It is 11,889 km² in size, and the population is 590,496 . In 1990, Kütahya had a population of 578,020.-Districts:... |
| 2011-05-19 | 23:41:44 | 4.0 | Şaphane Saphane Şaphane, formerly Abşeker, is a town and district of Kütahya Province in the Aegean region of Turkey. According to 2000 census, population of the district is 11,715 of which 4,671 live in the town of Şaphane.General Information about Şaphane:TOURISM... , Kütahya Kütahya Province Kütahya Province is a province in the Aegean region of Turkey. It is 11,889 km² in size, and the population is 590,496 . In 1990, Kütahya had a population of 578,020.-Districts:... |
| 2011-05-19 | 23:43:30 | 4.0 | Simav Simav Simav is a town and a district of Kütahya Province in the Aegean region of Turkey. The town is located on the Simav River.-External links:* * * *... , Kütahya Kütahya Province Kütahya Province is a province in the Aegean region of Turkey. It is 11,889 km² in size, and the population is 590,496 . In 1990, Kütahya had a population of 578,020.-Districts:... |
| 2011-05-20 | 00:12:51 | 4.6 | Simav Simav Simav is a town and a district of Kütahya Province in the Aegean region of Turkey. The town is located on the Simav River.-External links:* * * *... , Kütahya Kütahya Province Kütahya Province is a province in the Aegean region of Turkey. It is 11,889 km² in size, and the population is 590,496 . In 1990, Kütahya had a population of 578,020.-Districts:... |
| 2011-05-20 | 00:21:29 | 4.5 | Simav Simav Simav is a town and a district of Kütahya Province in the Aegean region of Turkey. The town is located on the Simav River.-External links:* * * *... , Kütahya Kütahya Province Kütahya Province is a province in the Aegean region of Turkey. It is 11,889 km² in size, and the population is 590,496 . In 1990, Kütahya had a population of 578,020.-Districts:... |
| 2011-05-20 | 00:33:11 | 4.4 | Simav Simav Simav is a town and a district of Kütahya Province in the Aegean region of Turkey. The town is located on the Simav River.-External links:* * * *... , Kütahya Kütahya Province Kütahya Province is a province in the Aegean region of Turkey. It is 11,889 km² in size, and the population is 590,496 . In 1990, Kütahya had a population of 578,020.-Districts:... |
| 2011-05-20 | 03:13:07 | 4.1 | Şaphane Saphane Şaphane, formerly Abşeker, is a town and district of Kütahya Province in the Aegean region of Turkey. According to 2000 census, population of the district is 11,715 of which 4,671 live in the town of Şaphane.General Information about Şaphane:TOURISM... , Kütahya Kütahya Province Kütahya Province is a province in the Aegean region of Turkey. It is 11,889 km² in size, and the population is 590,496 . In 1990, Kütahya had a population of 578,020.-Districts:... |
| 2011-05-20 | 03:58:33 | 4.5 | Simav Simav Simav is a town and a district of Kütahya Province in the Aegean region of Turkey. The town is located on the Simav River.-External links:* * * *... , Kütahya Kütahya Province Kütahya Province is a province in the Aegean region of Turkey. It is 11,889 km² in size, and the population is 590,496 . In 1990, Kütahya had a population of 578,020.-Districts:... |
Related shocks
The earthquake was preceded by a light magnitude 3.8 ML foreshockForeshock
A foreshock is an earthquake that occurs before a larger seismic event and is related to it in both time and space. The designation of an earthquake as foreshock, mainshock or aftershock is only possible after the event....
that struck Simav at 19:59 UTC, 23 minutes before the main shock. As of 20 May 2011, over 450 minor aftershocks were reported in the region. Cumulatively, a total of 8 measured magnitude 4.0 (ML) or greater; the strongest occurred near the epicenter at a magnitude of 4.6 (ML) about 10 minutes after the main shock. There were no immediate reports of additional damage following the tremors.
Damage and casualties
The earthquake struck at midnight near a well-populated area; a good amount of structures around the epicenter were reported to be vulnerable to earthquake shakingEarthquake engineering
Earthquake engineering is the scientific field concerned with protecting society, the natural and the man-made environment from earthquakes by limiting the seismic risk to socio-economically acceptable levels...
. Residents in over 10 provinces exited their homes and rushed into vehicles, with some people reportedly jumping from windows and balconies in panic upon the quake's occurrence. Power supply was cut to most of Simav in order to prevent fires, and telephone lines in the area were down. Hundreds of structures in Samiv sustained damage, particularly ranging from deep cracks to roof collapse. Several small fires were sparked by damaged stoves in collapsed apartments, and the tremor toppled furniture in most residences.
The earthquake injured a total 122 people; at least one person was reported to be in critical condition, and others suffered heart attacks and anxiety attacks. A man was killed after being struck in the head by a concrete block, while officials said an elderly woman in İnegöl
Inegöl
İnegöl is a city in the Bursa Province of Turkey. It has a population of 287,000 . İnegöl is one of the centers of the Turkish furniture industry, and is also known for its Meatball İnegöl Köftesi, which finds its roots from pljeskavice brought to the region by Bosnian immigrants during the...
died from cardiac arrest after the quake. Other sources reported a third unidentified jump victim, though the validity of this claim remains uncertain.