Marmara Sea

Earthquake: A 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck Istanbul with its epicenter in the Sea of Marmara. Aftershocks followed, including one measuring 5.3.

Location Significance: The Sea of Marmara is a small inland sea within Turkey, separating the Asian and European parts of the country. It connects the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea.

Fault Line: The North Anatolian Fault runs beneath the Sea of Marmara, making the region prone to earthquakes.

Immediate Impact: While there were no immediate reports of damage, residents were urged to avoid buildings, and people panicked.

Historical Context: Turkey is earthquake-prone due to its location on major fault lines. A devastating earthquake in February 2023 killed over 53,000 people in southern Turkey and heightened fears in Istanbul due to its proximity to fault lines.

Preventative Measures: Urban reconstruction projects are underway in Istanbul to fortify buildings and demolish those at risk of collapse to mitigate future earthquake damage.

Sea Characteristics: The Sea of Marmara has a unique salinity stratification, with fresher water near the surface and saltier water at the bottom. It experiences a humid subtropical climate.