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Note:This page contains AI-generated content for informational and entertainment purposes only. It may contain inaccuracies. Raw event data is from USGS and EMSC. All statistics, lists, and derived information are generated by this site. Full disclaimerFound an error?
Location:
WESTERN TURKEY
Period:
18 May 2025 01:14:29 - 20 May 2025 20:14:25 (2 days 18 hours 59 minutes)
Volcanoes in 100km radius:
Kula(80km)
Earthquakes:
53
21 swarms found nearby.
2009
S20090217.1(13.0km)
17 Feb
4 days 19 hours
161 earthquakes
2011
S20110329.1(13.0km)
28 Mar
1 day 8 hours
37 earthquakes
S20110519.1(11.1km)
19 May
42 days 15 hours
2795 earthquakes
S20110706.1(13.8km)
5 Jul
4 days 9 hours
63 earthquakes
S20110717.2(11.0km)
17 Jul
7 days 23 hours
114 earthquakes
2012
S20120416.1(20.7km)
16 Apr
16 days 9 hours
393 earthquakes
S20120503.1(18.0km)
3 May
6 days 16 hours
182 earthquakes
S20120619.1(19.4km)
18 Jun
2 days 1 hours
34 earthquakes
2025
19 Apr
4 days 5 hours
107 earthquakes
24 Apr
17 days 3 hours
818 earthquakes
29 May
6 days 15 hours
82 earthquakes
7 Jun
19 days 3 hours
405 earthquakes
28 Jul
1 day 19 hours
36 earthquakes
31 Jul
1 day 16 hours
30 earthquakes
20 Sep
3 days 6 hours
47 earthquakes
28 Sep
30 days 0 hours
1357 earthquakes
20 Nov
4 days 9 hours
76 earthquakes
8 Dec
4 days 20 hours
61 earthquakes
2026
10 Feb
1 day 21 hours
33 earthquakes
16 Feb
3 days 10 hours
56 earthquakes
10 Apr
4 days 9 hours
220 earthquakes
AI-generated article — for informational and entertainment purposes only. May contain inaccuracies. Full disclaimerFound an error?

Seismic Swarm S20250518.1 in Western Turkey: Analysis and Regional Context

Western Turkey lies within one of the most seismically active zones in the Mediterranean region, shaped by complex interactions among the Eurasian, African, and Arabian tectonic plates. The area forms part of the Aegean extensional province, where north-south stretching results from slab rollback along the Hellenic subduction zone to the south and westward extrusion of the Anatolian plate along the North Anatolian Fault. This tectonic setting produces frequent shallow crustal earthquakes, with many events occurring at depths of 5–15 km.

The region has a well-documented history of both large destructive earthquakes and episodic earthquake swarms. Instrumental records since 2000 indicate at least ten swarms in Western Turkey, with notable clusters in 2009, 2011 (four events), 2012 (three events), and two in 2025. These swarms typically involve low-to-moderate magnitude events occurring in rapid succession without a single dominant mainshock, often linked to fluid migration or localized stress adjustments within fault networks such as the Gediz and Simav grabens.

Swarm S20250518.1 began at 01:14 on 18 May 2025 and concluded at 20:14 on 20 May 2025, spanning 66 hours and 59 minutes. During this interval, 53 earthquakes were recorded. Magnitudes ranged from 0.9 to 3.6, with the largest event (M 3.6) occurring at 20:54 on 18 May at a depth of 13 km. Depths throughout the swarm varied between 4 km and 14 km, consistent with shallow crustal activity typical of the Aegean extensional regime. The sequence showed temporal clustering, with elevated rates on 18 May evening and a gradual decline by 20 May.

Such swarms are common in Western Turkey and rarely produce significant damage when magnitudes remain below 4.0. They provide valuable data for understanding fault interactions and can serve as indicators of evolving stress conditions. Continued monitoring by national networks remains essential for assessing any potential escalation.

References

  • Turkish Earthquake Catalog (AFAD)
  • USGS Earthquake Hazards Program regional reports
  • Active tectonics of the Aegean region, Journal of Geophysical Research (updated syntheses through 2024)