CRIMEAN BLACK SEA REGION

Abstract

Sixty-four local earthquakes in the energy class КП range from 4.7 to 10.1 were recorded in the Crimea in 2013. The total amount of released seismic energy decreased by two orders of magnitude compared to 2012. The focal mechanism solutions are obtained for three earthquakes: May 1 (Mwreg=3.8), October 15 (Mwreg=3.7), and December 9 (Mwreg=3.5). The earthquake on May 1 occurred in the eastern part of the region under the action of horizontal extensional stress. Two other earthquakes took place in the central zone of the region and indicate horizontal compressional stress. The earthquake on October 15 was felt on the Crime-an coast with an intensity of up to 4 (MSK-64). The parameters of the seismic regime for 2013 and the previous 5 years are considered. The highest level of seismic activity A10=0.4 in 2013 is attributed to the central part of the region, to the focal zone of a notable earthquake on October 15. In the Kerch-Anapa group of foci, the level of A10 did not change in comparison with 2012. The total contribution from earthquakes in 2013 to the tectonic deformation of the environment was insignificant, similar to the previous year 2012. The maximum strain rate V=1.010-9 year–1 is associated with a notable earthquake on October 15 and a se-ries of tremors on December 9.