At the panel organized in Balıkesir, current scientific data on the earthquake hazard and soil properties of the city were shared. The panel, which was also attended by TÜBİTAK MAM experts, discussed scientific approaches to make Balıkesir a more disaster-resilient city in line with soil analyses, earthquake hazard assessments and data-based studies.
Organized by Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality, the panel titled “Earthquake Reality in Balıkesir: Safe City Approach in the Light of Scientific Analyses” organized by Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality, current scientific data on the earthquake hazard and soil characteristics of Balıkesir were shared. With the participation of academicians, representatives of public institutions, technical experts and professional chambers, the panel discussed scientific studies to make cities more resilient against disasters.
Researchers from TUBITAK Marmara Research Center (MAM) Earth Sciences Research Group also took part in the panel as speakers. TÜBİTAK MAM Expert Dr. Adil Tarancıoğlu shared with the participants the first phase studies of earthquake hazard analyses conducted for the seismic identity and local soil conditions of Balıkesir.
Dr. Aylin Karaaslan from TÜBİTAK MAM gave information about the geophysical measurements and soil analyses carried out within the scope of BALDEP - “Project for the Assessment of Earthquake Hazard in Balıkesir Province and Investigation of Areas with Liquefaction Potential” carried out in cooperation with Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality. It was stated that the liquefaction potential of settlement centers was analyzed by performing measurements without excavation at approximately 450 points with non-destructive measurement methods applied in residential areas within the scope of the project.
The findings of BAZEM - “Soil Classification and Seismic Hazard Assessment Project for Balıkesir Province” conducted by TÜBİTAK MAM between 2015-2019 were also shared at the panel. With this project, important scientific data on the soil properties and seismic hazard of Balıkesir were presented.
Other presentations within the program covered the effects of local soil properties on earthquake hazard, geodetic studies on fault lines in the region and urban risk mitigation strategies. The panel also provided information about the studies on the assessment of the building stock in the city within the scope of Balıkesir Building Inventory System (BAYES) conducted by Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality.
The panelists emphasized the importance of scientific analysis, data-based planning processes and inter-institutional cooperation in reducing earthquake risk. It was emphasized that integrating scientific data into the planning processes of local governments will contribute to making cities more prepared and resilient against disasters.
TÜBİTAK MAM continues its scientific research and field studies to identify earthquake hazards and mitigate risks.
