The Marmara Sea Fault Lines: Prof. Dr. Osman Bektaş Explains the Importance of the Main Marmara Fault

The Marmara Sea is home to numerous fault lines, but the question remains as to why the largest displacement occurs on the 'Main Marmara Fault'. Prof. Dr. Osman Bektaş shed light on this topic. Bektaş stated that 'the stressed plate chooses the weakest fault for movement', noting that the Anatolian Plate moves approximately 25 millimeters to the west each year. According to GPS measurements, about 20 millimeters of this movement occurs along the Main Marmara Fault. Bektaş emphasized that these plate movements are concentrated in the mechanically weakest and most easily sliding routes, and that the deep troughs and special features of the Marmara Sea create this weak zone. Therefore, the majority of the plate movement occurs on the Main Marmara Fault, which Bektaş noted is one of the most active lines in terms of tectonic movement in the region.