Four faults that could lead to strong earthquakes in Athens

Athens is surrounded four active faultswhich can “gift” the capital region strong earthquakes.

Scientists have documented a large number of small to medium-sized active faults in both the urban fabric of Athens and Thessaloniki. However, despite their relatively small size and low seismic potential – in Athens the possible earthquake magnitude is up to 6.2 on the Richter scale, and in Thessaloniki – up to 6.5 – their proximity to urban areas leads to a sharp increase in seismic risk.

Small faults near urban areas have become particularly important, especially after the devastating earthquake in Menidi in 1999 which was caused by the activation of the previously unknown neotectonic fault of the South Parnitha-Phyllis.

Main seismic hazards for the Attica basin

1. East Corinthian – South Evian

In the area from East Corinth towards Thebes, Avlona and Oropos there is a system of faults that led to earthquakes of magnitude 6-6.5 in 1858 and 1914. “This is a large ring-shaped zone, 60 km long, which encircles Attica and represents a constant source of danger,” – seismologist Gerasimos Papadopoulos said earlier in an interview with NEA.

2. Faults Penteli, Rafini, Spaty

These are faults in Attica that have been identified in previous studies. But no one knows their extent, which is directly related to their power, that is, to the magnitude of the earthquake they can produce.

3. Rifts of the Saronic Gulf

“The faults of the Saronic Gulf cause earthquakes of medium depth, that is, with foci at a depth of at least 50-60 km and a magnitude that can exceed 6.5 on the Richter scale,” says Dr. Papadopoulos. Such an earthquake, with its epicenter near Acrocorinth, occurred in August 1962, was very noticeable in Attica and caused minor damage. It is unknown what consequences a repetition of such a phenomenon could lead to today, when the basin is built up with structures of a different type.

4. Rift in Atalanta

Located about 130 km from Athens, in 1894 it produced two earthquakes of magnitude 6.7 and 6.4 within a week of each other, causing damage to Athens and Piraeus. It is necessary to study the consequences of a possible earthquake in Atalanta for the building stock of the pool, seismologists say.

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