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Rapid Characterization of the 2023 Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye, Earthquake Sequence at the USGS National Earthquake Information Center

The February 6, 2023, M_w7.8 Pazarcık and subsequent M_w7.5 Elbistan earthquakes generated strong ground shaking that resulted in catastrophic human and economic loss across south-central Türkiye and northwest Syria. The rapid characterization of the earthquakes, including their location, size, fault geometries, and slip kinematics is critical to estimate the impact of significant seismic events. The U.S. Geological Survey National Earthquake Information Center (NEIC) provides real-time monitoring of earthquakes globally. Rapid source characterization products (i.e., location, magnitude, mechanism, and finite-fault model) are used as input to NEIC’s ground motion estimation product, ShakeMap, and in turn, the loss estimation product, PAGER. We describe the seismic characterization products generated and made publicly available by the NEIC over the two weeks following the start of the earthquake sequence in southeast Türkiye, their evolution, and how they inform our understanding of regional seismotectonics and hazards.

The kinematics of rupture for the two earthquakes was complex, each involving multiple fault segments. Optical and radar satellite imagery were critical for identification of the surface rupture and defining the orientation of fault segments for slip characterization. In the days following the earthquakes, NEIC also acquired dense local seismic and geodetic datasets that facilitated robust source characterization and impact assessment. We discuss how we may improve the timeliness of NEIC products for rapid assessment of future seismic hazards, particularly in the case of complex ruptures.

Session: February 2023 Mw 7.8 Earthquake Sequence in Turkey [Poster]

Type: Poster

Room: Ballroom

Date: 4/19/2023

Presentation Time: 08:00 AM (local time)

Presenting Author: Dara E. Goldberg

Student Presenter: No

Additional Authors