Could Mount Erciyes Explode One Day, What Are Its Characteristics?

Unfortunately, we have learned through many bitter experiences that our country is located on some of the most active fault lines in the world. As if that were not enough, numerous disasters, especially floods, landslides and forest fires, constantly threaten our country. But we don’t even realize There is another danger we face. volcanic eruptions. Yes, there are many active but dormant volcanoes in our country, such as Mount Erciyes.

Don’t worry, they won’t explode tomorrow, but just like an earthquake, we’re sure it will happen one day. Many people are actually more concerned about the explosion than the explosion. Whether active volcanoes will cause major earthquakes like on February 6, 2023 Wondering. In fact, the hot water output seen in these volcanoes frightened those who heard it.

Erciyes Mountain features: Location, altitude and volcanism

Mount Erciyes is a stratovolcano adjacent to the plains called Sultansazlığı, located in the southwestern region 25 kilometers away from Kayseri province. It is estimated to have formed approximately 20 million years ago. Mount Erciyes is the highest mountain in our Central Anatolia region with its peak of 3917 meters. It covers a very large area of ​​3300 square kilometers.

Mount Erciyes is a staravolcano, that is, a volcano composed of hardened ash, tuff and ash layers. As quoted on Roman coins It is thought that Mount Erciyes last erupted in 253 BC. Mount Erciyes is a volcanic structure that is active but has been dormant for a long time.

Could Mount Erciyes wake up one day and explode?

As we explained in full detail in our article here before, in our country There are 15 volcanoes, 10 of which are active and 5 of which have the potential to become active. Technically, for a volcano to be considered active, it must have last erupted 10 thousand years ago. Since it has been a little over 2 thousand years since Mount Erciyes erupted, we can say that it is quite active.

According to the report of the research conducted jointly by TÜBİTAK and Bristol University, our country, It is the 14th riskiest country among the 95 countries with volcanic activity in the world. The probability of a volcanic eruption in our country by 2100 is over 70 percent. The reason why this rate poses a risk is that there are dense settlements around volcanic structures and therefore even a small eruption may have serious consequences.

Is there a connection between Mount Erciyes, an active volcano, and the February 6 earthquakes?

Based in Kahramanmaraş, Pazarcık and Elbistan on 6 February 2023 7.8 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes Unfortunately, it caused us to lose tens of thousands of people. This earthquake, one of the biggest disasters our country has experienced, was followed by successive aftershocks and the damage increased to an incredible extent.

Shortly after the February 6 earthquakes, an interesting change was observed on Mount Erciyes. An outflow of water with temperatures reaching 86 degrees occurred around the mountain. Thereupon, everyone thought there was a connection between these two events, but there is no relationship. But there is indeed a relationship between hot water output and earthquakes.

How true is the rumor that volcanic activity started due to the release of hot water?

The fact that such a hot water outlet around Mount Erciyes directly brought to mind the possibility of a volcano erupting and caused great concern. Making a statement on the subject, paleoseismology expert Prof. Dr. Ramazan Demirtaş said that the hot water outflow is extremely normal and is neither related to the volcano eruption nor the February 6 earthquakes.

According to Demirtaş, between 28 February and 10 March 2023 There were many small earthquakes around Mount Erciyes with magnitudes ranging between 4.3 and 4.9. Since the faults opened superficially, there was an outflow of hot water. It is known that such events are extremely normal as the secondary effects of earthquakes.

So when should we suspect a volcanic eruption?

Again, paleoseismologist Prof. Dr. According to Ramazan Demirtaş, we do not need to worry about a volcano erupting immediately with a very large earthquake or a few small earthquakes. If in and around Mount Erciyes If thousands or even tens of thousands of micro earthquakes occur in a very short period of time That’s when the possibility of a volcano eruption may arise. However, just like the formation of earthquakes, it is not possible to predict when volcanoes will erupt.

What should we do if a volcano erupts in our country one day?

Statistics don’t lie. Maybe not tomorrow, but one day, there will definitely be a volcanic eruption in our country. when that day comes Just like any disaster, we must be prepared for it. Preparing an emergency bag, such as an earthquake bag, is the first thing you should do because it may be impossible to reach basic needs at that time.

When such a disaster occurs, you should listen to the authorities. Because Depending on the extent of the disaster, emergency evacuation may be required. As soon as the evacuation order comes, you should immediately take your emergency bag with you and move away from the area or go to areas directed by the authorities. Unlike the earthquake bag, you should have an N-95 mask in your emergency bag because during a volcano eruption, a terrible ash cloud covers everything.

In some cases, authorities say to stay at home, not evacuate. This order must also be strictly adhered to, and especially You should supplement with plenty of water. If you need to go out, you should definitely wear an outer garment and take it off when entering the house. Because the ashes will stick to you. It is very important to protect your eyes from these ashes. Of course, in such a situation, do not forget to help those who are less fortunate than you.

It is one of the active volcanoes in our country. Will Mount Erciyes explode one day? What is its connection with the February 6 earthquakes? We answered frequently asked questions such as: No matter how big the disaster is, please do not forget to keep your cool and listen to science instead of false information.