Analysis of the focal characteristics of two strong earthquakes in Turkey: differences in earthquake characteristics rupture process and spatiotemporal evolution of the rupture

Abstract

Abstract Two major earthquakes struck Turkey on February 6, 2023, which caused significant structural and human losses. This document analyzes the focal characteristics, rupture process, and spatiotemporal evolution of the earthquakes through tele seismic data and characterization of the events. The first earthquake occurred east of the Eastern Anatolia Fault Zone, while the second one took place on the Cardak Fault of the Eastern Anatolia Fault Zone. Through the rupture process, we can visualize the damage caused by the earthquakes as well as the energy release they both caused. However, only two aftershocks with a magnitude greater than 6 were recorded. Although the earthquakes were of similar magnitude, they had different focal damage.