Magnitude and frequency of earthquakes in Greece

Greece experienced a significant number of strong earthquakes between 2001 and 2021, with a total of 16 recorded earthquakes having magnitudes ranging from 6.0 to 6.9. The highest magnitude earthquake, at 6.9, struck Greece and Turkey in 2014, highlighting a notable seismic event in the region's recent history.

Most common magnitudes for earthquakes in Greece

Earthquakes with magnitudes of 6.3 are the most frequent in Greece, occurring four times over the analyzed period. These instances were recorded in Achaia, Ileia (2008), Lefkada, Preveza (2003), Lesbos (2017), and Tyrnavos, Larissa (2021), indicating a consistent level of seismic activity at this magnitude across different parts of the country.

Crete's susceptibility to earthquakes

Crete emerges as the most earthquake-prone area in Greece, with five separate incidents recorded. The magnitudes of these earthquakes span from 6.0 to 6.6, illustrating the island's significant seismic risk. Notably, Crete experienced two earthquakes in 2013, with magnitudes of 6.6 and 6.2, and another two in 2021, with magnitudes of 6.0 each, underlining the recurrent seismic threat to the region.

Temporal distribution of seismic activity in Greece

The distribution of earthquakes from 2001 to 2021 shows an uneven pattern of seismic activity over the years, with no clear trend towards increasing or decreasing frequency. The years 2014 and 2021 were particularly notable, each witnessing three significant seismic events, suggesting periods of heightened seismic activity interspersed with quieter intervals.

Kefalonia's notable earthquake events in 2014

The island of Kefalonia experienced two significant earthquakes in 2014, with magnitudes of 6.1 and 6.0. These back-to-back events highlight Kefalonia's vulnerability to seismic activity within a short timeframe, pointing to a localized increase in geological stress or activity during that year.