Bartin-Amasra earthquake, Turkey, September 3, 1968

Abstract

A brief examination of the Bartin-were whether earthquake area was made on September 23 and September 24,1968, by the authors to determine whether or not geologic effects had been produced that were significant enough to warrant further detailed study by the Mineral Research and Exploration Institute of Turkey or by the National Center for Earthquake Research of the U.S. Geological Survey. In particular, the questions to be answered were whether this "natural experiment" had produced unique or unusual results that would cast light on means of controlling damage by geologic conditions, and whether or not surface faults or other tectonic deformation, h.ad developed which might help define the geologic control of earthquakes in northern Turkey. The brief field examination was made jointly by personnel of the U.S. Geological Survey and Mineral Research and Exploration Institute of Turkey, because of the interest of both agencies in the earthquake hazard problem. Both agencies had participated in the Conference on Earthquake Hazard Minimization sponsored by the Central Treaty Organization held in Ankara in July 1968. The brief examination was, in part, prompted by the recommendations of the Conference group to take advantage of each significant earthquake to learn "how to live with earthquakes in greater safety." No additional study of this earthquake by either organization seems warranted at this time, and our observations made during the brief investigation are reported here.