First palaeoseismological results from Greece

Abstract

This is a brief account of our approach to trends in palaeoseismological research that are currently emerging in Greece, with the application of modern investigative methods practised world-wide in active tectonic zones. These techniques include fault stratigraphy in trenches, and dating recent fault reactivations in order to understand and distinguish palaeoseismic events along specific segments of active faults, named Gerakarou (Mygdonia Basin, Thessaloniki area), Palaeochori Fault (Kozani-Grevena, Western Macedonia), Souli (Petousi, Epirus), and Volos-Larissa (Thessaly plain). Four palaeoearthquakes were investigated on the Gerakarou fault segment, with a uniform slip rate and return period around 7000 years. In Western Macedonia "aseismic areas" the Servia-Palaeochori recently activated fault shows a -3500 year quiescence. Three coseismic events on the Souli Fault pre- and post-date to 26000 year deposits.