Seismic and Volcanic Activity in the Aegean Sea (2025)

At the beginning of 2025, particularly in February, high levels of seismic activity and volcanic activity were observed in the Aegean Sea. This activity has brought scientific research on the region’s tectonic dynamics and possible volcanic phenomena back into focus. In particular, earthquakes occurring near Greece’s island of Santorini and its surroundings have influenced the population activity in the region.

Map of seismic and volcanic activity in the Aegean Sea – Anadolu Ajansı

Seismic Activity and Population Mobility

Between 28 January 2025 and 5 February 2025, a total of 938 earthquake were recorded in the Aegean Sea, with magnitudes reaching up to 5.2. During this period, approximately 9,000 people evacuated the island of Santorini due to earthquake risks. Greek authorities decided to temporarily close schools on the island due to ongoing seismic activity. Airlines arranged additional flights to accommodate those wishing to leave the island.

According to data from the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD), on 4 February 2025, three earthquakes with magnitudes of 5.2, 4.7 and 4.6 occurred in the Aegean Sea. The 5.2 magnitude earthquake, which occurred on Time at 16:04, was located 152.31 kilometers from the Turgutreis neighborhood of Muğla district at a depth of 7 kilometers. On the same day, at 15:36, a 4.7 magnitude earthquake was recorded at a depth of 6.65 kilometers, and at 23:00, a 4.6 magnitude shock was detected at a depth of 15.27 kilometers.

Abandoned island of Santorini, 4 February 2025 – Anadolu Ajansı

Tectonic and Volcanic Structures

The earthquakes in the Aegean Sea have reignited interest in the region’s geological dynamics. The crustal structure in the area is estimated to be approximately 21 kilometers thick on average. Earthquakes typically occur within normal fault-bounded basins. In addition to tectonic activity, magmatic structures beneath the sea seafloor, including the Columbus Volcano, are being studied. The Columbus Volcano possesses a volcanic edifice extending to a depth of approximately 4.5 kilometers and is regarded as a research area for assessing volcanic activity in the region.

International Research Efforts

The seismic activity in the region has attracted the attention of international research teams, and specialized expedition groups equipped with advanced instrumentation have been dispatched to Santorini. Experts plan to conduct detailed analyses of seismic and volcanic movements using underwater sensor-equipped devices. In addition, the Greek Electricity Distribution Company has deployed generators and technical equipment to the area to prevent power outages in the event of a major earthquake.

Regional Impacts and Potential Implications for Türkiye

Experts hold differing views on whether the seismic activity in the Aegean Sea could trigger large-scale earthquakes along Türkiye’s coastlines. The prevailing consensus is that there is no direct connection between the earthquakes in the Aegean Sea and Türkiye’s own tectonic framework. Türkiye’s seismic dynamics are assessed as independent. The general expert opinion is that the current seismic activity has a low probability of triggering a major earthquake in Türkiye.

Volcanic Hazards and Risk Management

Potential volcanic eruptions around Santorini are being evaluated under various scenarios. It is noted that interactions between volcanic eruptions and water could lead to massive explosions, and that volcanic ash emissions could disrupt air traffic. The 1650 eruption of the Columbus Volcano resulted in 70 fatalities. Should a similar eruption occur in 2025, risks include the closure of airspace and damage to regional energy infrastructure harm.