The double earthquakes of 6 February 2023 in central Turkey: a mighty “7” from continental strike-slip to subduction

The double earthquakes of 6 February 2023 in central Turkey and their associated seismic activity show a composite cloud of thousands of epicenters that mimic the number 7 and extend from central Turkey to the east Mediterranean shoreline. The lower limb of this mighty “7” spreads along a trend that matches the onshore continuation of the Latakia ridge, which is one of the most prominent seafloor structures of the east Mediterranean region. This structure extends for about 200 km along the subduction zone of the Cyprus arc where compressional forces are dominant. We interpreted a major and active reverse fault system underneath the Latakia ridge using 3D seismic interpretation. The ridge’s reverse faults rupture the seafloor and display a relief up to 500 m in height. The fault system underneath this prominent seafloor rupture is capable of generating a high magnitude earthquake and can be considered a very plausible source of the 9 July 551 M 7.2 earthquake and its associated tsunami along the Levant coast. The magnitudes of the 6 February 2023 double earthquakes and the density and trend of their associated seismic activity highlight the importance of understanding the interconnection of the seismogenic structures in the east Mediterranean region, both onshore and offshore, with additional attention to those that are potentially tsunamigenic.