1902 Shamakhi earthquake

The 1902 Shamakhi earthquake occurred on 13 February with a surface-wave magnitude of 6.9 and a maximum felt Modified Mercalli intensity of IX (Violent). Up to 2,000 people died and thousands more were injured in the Shemakha uezd within the Baku Governorate of the Russian Empire (present-day Republic of Azerbaijan). About 7,439 buildings were damaged or destroyed in the city and surrounding villages.[1] Shamakhi had been devastated by earlier earthquakes in 1806, 1859 and 1872. It is one of the most destructive earthquakes in Azerbaijan.[2]

1902 Shamakhi earthquake
1902 Shamakhi earthquake is located in Azerbaijan
1902 Shamakhi earthquake
UTC time1902-02-13 09:39:30
ISC eventn/a
USGS-ANSSn/a
Local date13 February 1902
Magnitude6.9 Ms[1]
Depth15 km (9.3 mi)[1]
Epicenter40.7°N 48.6°E / 40.7; 48.6[1]
Areas affectedShemakha uezd, Baku Governorate, Russian Empire (now Shamakhi District, Azerbaijan)
Max. intensityIX (Violent)[1]
Casualties2,000 killed

Geology

Azerbaijan is situated in a region of subduction involving the Arabian and Eurasian plates which has been ongoing for the past 5 million years. As a result, forming the Greater Caucasus Range. The Main Caucasus Thrust Fault, a north-dipping fault, accommodates most of the plate interaction. Subduction was later accommodated 1.5 million years ago by the Kura fold and thrust belt. The Kura fold and thrust belt spans 275 km (171 mi) from Tbilisi in Georgia to Shamakhi, consisting of a series of thrust faults.[3]

Earthquake

Isoseismal mapping of affected buildings indicate an epicenter location close to Shamakhi and the rupture was consistent with that occurring on the Kura Thrust Fault. Paleoseismic studies involving trenching in Agsu District revealed surface ruptures associated with two earthquakes. The older of the two may correspond to a large earthquake in 1668 while the younger could reflect the 1902 event which displayed 3.5 m (11 ft) of offset. By estimating a rupture area of 50 km2 × 30 km2 (19 sq mi × 12 sq mi), consistent with the area of major damage, and considering the 3.5 m (11 ft) of average slip, the moment magnitude (Mw ) is 7.4.[3]

Impact

The earthquake struck at noon, and Shamakhi was totally destroyed. In addition to the city in ruins, the earthquake also devastated 125 nearby settlements. The destruction of 4,000 homes left 20,000 people homeless. Eight historical mosques, 42 churches, more than 10 madrasas, as well as many commercial buildings and shops were destroyed. In the villages outside the city, over 3,000 houses, many mosques and farmhouses were razed.[4] Damage was made worse by fires started from people cooking; it destroyed many structures that were still standing.[5] The destruction of Shamakhi was attributed to wet soil conditions and building materials which consisted of stones and clay mortar. Damage was light in areas where Christians lived because most homes in these areas were constructed from wood.[6]

See also
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Şamaxı earthquake 1902.

References
  1. National Geophysical Data Center / World Data Service (NGDC/WDS) (1972), Significant Earthquake Database (Data Set), National Geophysical Data Center, NOAA, doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
  2. Ağayev, Adil (31 January 2017). "Sonuncu dağıdıcı Şamaxı zəlzələsindən 115 il keçir..." [115 years have passed since the last destructive Shamakhi earthquake...]. Azerbaijan State News Agency (in Azerbaijani). Retrieved 15 September 2022.
  3. Pierce, Ian; Guliyev, Ibrahim; Yetirmishli, Gurban Jalal; Muradov, Rauf; Kazimova, Sabina; Javanshir, Rashid; Johnson, Ben; Marshall, Neill; Walker, Richard Thomas; Wordsworth, Paul (2022). "Surface Rupturing Earthquakes of the Greater Caucasus Frontal Thrusts, Azerbaijan" (PDF). Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth. doi:10.22541/essoar.167152213.30022523/v1.
  4. "Şamaxı zəlzələsi 1902 – 115 il" [Shamakhi earthquake 1902 – 115 years]. National Museum of History of Azerbaijan (in Azerbaijani). 31 January 2017. Retrieved 15 September 2022.
  5. "Tarixdə baş vermiş qəza və fəlakətlər: Şamaxı zəlzələsi - 13 fevral 1902-ci il" [Accidents and disasters in history: Shamakhi earthquake - February 13, 1902]. Ministry of Emergency Situations (in Azerbaijani). Retrieved 15 September 2022.
  6. Farajova, Zohra (3 February 2022). "1902-ci il Şamaxı zəlzələsi..." [The 1902 Shamakhi earthquake...]. Azerbaijan. Retrieved 15 September 2022.
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