SEISMICITY of the CRIMEAN-BLACK SEA REGION in 2016–2017

Abstract

A review of the seismicity of the Crimean-Black Sea region was carried out according to seismic monitoring data by a regional network of digital stations. In total, in 2016–2017, the network of Crimean stations registered 148 earthquakes in the range of energy classes Kп=3.5–13.1, most of which are representative only in a small area near the coast of Crimea. 2016 was characterized by increased seismic activity in the region compared to previous years. The total released seismic energy is ~ 16 times the average annual value over the past 10 years. The greatest activation of seismic processes was observed in the area of the Black Sea depression. There were three earthquakes here: June 28, July 22, and October 15 with the maximum energy class, respectively, with Kп=10.9, 11.6, and 13.1 (Mw=4.1, 4.3, and 5.1) with uplift movement in the sources. In the central part of the region near the Southern coast of Crimea on May 13, there was a tangible earthquake with Mw=3.6 and an observed intensity of I=4–5 points in the city of Alushta. Focal mechanism – strike-slip. In 2017, the seismicity of the region was at the background level with local activation of seismotectonic structures in the form of a series of weak shocks with Kп=5.6–7.1 in the center of the Kerch Peninsula. The foci of the Kerch earthquakes are confined to the upper part of the earth's crust of the intersection zone of the N–W and N–E striking faults that are active at the present stage. The development of the seismic process in the region is considered according to the temporary change in the total released energy and the Benioff schedule.