Geol Blog

  Earthquake Hazards in Greece: Risks and Mitigation Strategies Earthquake Risks in Greece Greece is one of Europe's most seismically active countries, sitting at the intersection of the African, Eurasian, and Arabian tectonic plates. This results in frequent earthquakes, with some regions, especially islands like Crete and the Aegean Sea, being more prone to seismic activity. Understanding these risks and preparing for earthquakes is vital for safeguarding people and infrastructure. Seismic Activity in Greece Greece’s seismic hazard map highlights areas of high earthquake risk, notably the Hellenic Arc and the Aegean Islands . Significant earthquakes in Greece’s history include the 1953 Ionian Earthquake (M 6.8) and the 1999 Athens Earthquake (M 5.9). The seismic hazard is concentrated along coastal areas, with the highest risks in the Aegean Sea and the southern mainland.  Aftermath of 1999 Athens earthquake  Mitigation Measures: How Greece is Preparing Earthquake-R...

Greece: A Hotspot of Tectonic Drama When it comes to plate tectonics, Greece is one of the most geologically fascinating places on Earth. Located at the intersection of the Eurasian and African plates, the region experiences constant tectonic activity, making it a hotspot for earthquakes and even hosting some of the most stunning volcanic landscapes in the world. The Tectonic Setting Greece sits on the southern edge of the Eurasian Plate, which is colliding with the African Plate. This collision zone creates a complex tectonic setting with convergent (subduction) boundaries, where the African Plate dives beneath the Eurasian Plate. This subduction process forms the Hellenic Arc, a curved chain of islands and volcanoes including Santorini, one of the most famous volcanic destinations. In addition to subduction, smaller microplates in the region, like the Aegean Plate, add to the geological complexity. These microplates are constantly shifting due to the intense compression and extensi...