Is It True That Major Earthquakes Happen While We Sleep At Night?

The first earthquake that occurred while people were sleeping in their warm beds Kahramanmaras It wasn’t an earthquake. Many devastating earthquakes have occurred at similar times throughout history.

The earthquake that took place in Gölcük on August 17 also took place during the night hours when people were sleeping. The fact that the earthquakes took place especially at the later hours of the night or towards the morning brought the theories along and over time. “Great earthquakes happen at night” perception occurred.

Worldwide, the situation is somewhat different. Let’s take a look at the top 10 biggest earthquakes.

1. Chile, Valdivia (May 22, 1960)

• Size: 9.5
• Hour: 19:11

2. Alaska, Prince William Sound (March 28, 1964)

• Size: 9.2
• Hour: 17:36

3. Indonesia, Sumatra (26 December 2004)

• Size: 9.1
• Hour: 00:58

4. Japan, Sendai (11 March 2011)

• Size: 9.0
• Hour: 14.46

5. Russia, Kamchatka (November 4, 1952)

• Size: 9.0
• Hour: 04:58

6. Chile, Bio-Bio (27 February 2010)

• Size: 8.8
• Hour: 3.34

7. Ecuadorian Offenses (31 January 1906)

• Size: 8.8
• Hour: 10:36

8. Alaska, Rat Islands (April 2, 1965)

• Size: 8.7
• Hour: 19:01

9. Indonesia, Sumatra (March 28, 2005)

• Size: 8.6
• Hour: 23:09

10. Tibet, Assam (August 15, 1950)

• Size: 8.6
• Hour: 19:39

Let’s take a look at the biggest earthquakes in Turkey.

1. Erzincan (27 December 1939)

• Size: 7.9
• Hour: 01:57

2. Kahramanmaras (February 7, 2023)

• Size: 7.7
• Hour: 13:24

3. Kahramanmaras (February 6, 2023)

• Size: 7.6
• Hour: 04:17

4. Kahramanmaras (February 6, 2023)

• Size: 7.6
• Hour: 13:24

5. Van, Muradiye/Caldiran (November 24, 1976)

• Size: 7.5
• Hour: 12:22

6. Kocaeli, Golcuk (August 17, 1999)

• Size: 7.4
• Hour: 03:02

7. Van (23 October 2011)

• Size: 7.2
• Hour: 13:41

8. Duzce (November 12, 1999)

• Size: 7.2
• Hour: 18:57

9. Elazig (24 January 2020)

• Size: 6.8
• Hour: 20:55

10. Izmir, Seferihisar (30 October 2020)

• Size: 6.6
• Hour: 14:51

Among the top 10 largest earthquakes in the world, only 2 at night in the hours (after 00:00), this number is among the 10 biggest earthquakes in Turkey. It goes to 3.

Of course, it is not correct to make an inference only by looking at the biggest earthquakes, but even these numbers are the results of big earthquakes. mostly not at night a proof. But science also has a few words to say on this subject.

It is the movements of the Earth and Moon that cause the days and months to form. Could these movements really cause earthquakes?

According to research carried out by a group of seismologists at the Bhabha Atomic Research Center movements of the moonaffects the earthquakes that take place on earth to some extent.

36 years (between 1978-2008) examining earthquake data The group found that there was an increase in the number of earthquakes when the Moon was closest to the Earth. Because this situation increases the gravity caused by the Moon. Moreover, it is seen in the new moon and full moon phases of the Moon. tides It can also have an effect on earthquakes.

Because the tides can cause the fault lines to be compressed.

It takes about 1 month for the Moon to make one full revolution around the Earth. This movement of the Moon causes tides on Earth. This movement over the oceans, because water changes pressure points Fault lines, especially on the coastline, may be compressed and earthquakes may occur.

There is no evidence that the time of day we are in affects earthquakes.

The rotation of the Earth around itself, which lasts for 1 day, does not cause any change for the fault lines. However, the same research group in the evening hours The number of earthquakes (magnitude 5-6) occurred increased from time to time has detected.

However, this may just be a coincidence. There is no conclusive evidence that major earthquakes occur only in the morning or evening hours. In fact, numerous studies on the subject show that earthquakes can occur at any hour. On the other hand, throughout history, at different time intervals There have been many great earthquakes. We have already seen examples of this at the beginning of our content.

To summarize briefly; Earthquake is a different formation compared to other natural events. For example, you can afforest everywhere to protect against erosion or The only thing we can do for an earthquake is to build stronger and safer houses. it could be. While we can’t prevent its arrival, we can block its damage. Although we wish there would be no more earthquakes, unfortunately we must learn to live with the reality of an ‘earthquake’.

If you are not in the earthquake affected area, to help the victims You can find reliable organizations you can reach:

Being informed about earthquakes You can download useful applications that you can use to your phone:

Most Useful Earthquake Apps (iOS – Android)

search and rescue teams where you can directly transmit your location You can download the AFAD official application to your phone:

During and after the earthquake what you need to pay attention to individually You can learn:

Sources: Rediff.com, USGS, Researchgate, CSUSM, SMS Tsunami