Natural Hazards

The friction of the Eurasian Plate rubbing against the Arabian Plate causes numerous earthquakes throughout Turkey. Most of Turkey’s mountains are of volcanic origin, further making earthquakes likely. The threat posed by earthquakes is particularly severe in the north extending from the Sea of Marmara to Lake Van. Two earthquakes in 1999 affected 100,000 sq km (38,610 sq mi) and the welfare of 15 million people. In addition, landslides and floods, both of which can be exacerbated by human settlement and farming practices, pose threats. The province of Trabzon, located in the northeastern part of the country near the Black Sea, is an area especially prone to landslides.