Türkiye's UNESCO-listed Kula-Salihli Geopark, known for its volcanic hills and the lava sea formed by molten rock, has attracted not only nature enthusiasts but also scientists. Recently, a significant study was conducted in this unique area. Supported by TÜBİTAK, the project led by Eskişehir Osmangazi University involved 12 scientists who installed 15 seismometers in the region to study the underground magma chambers.
Their research revealed the existence of eight magma chambers located 5 to 30 kilometers beneath the surface. The largest chamber, located 5 kilometers deep, was found to be at risk of being triggered by earthquakes. This discovery has reignited discussions about the potential activity of volcanoes in Türkiye.
While many active volcanoes exist in Türkiye, they are currently silent. But will these giants wake up and spew lava one day? What does the eruption risk detected in the magma chamber in Manisa mean? To answer these questions, we consulted Prof. Dr. Şükrü Ersoy, Dean of the Faculty of Civil Engineering at Yıldız Technical University (YTU) and Director of the Natural Sciences Research Center.
VOLCANOES IN TÜRKİYE
Türkiye is home to 13 volcanoes, covering 16% of its land. While these volcanoes have not erupted recently, they are not extinct. Some of the prominent ones include the Kula Volcanic Geopark in Manisa, Acıgöl and Karapınar in Konya, Hasan Mountain in Niğde and Aksaray, Erciyes Mountain in Kayseri, Nemrut Mountain in Bitlis, and Mount Ararat in Ağrı.
Prof. Dr. Ersoy points out that not all volcanoes have the same characteristics. He explains, "When we think of a volcano, we often imagine a mountain with lava erupting from its crater. However, not all volcanoes erupt in this manner. Some volcanoes don't erupt violently; instead, lava flows from the crater on a wide mountain. Depending on the amount of gas inside, they might erupt with force, but if not, they simply flow. Volcanoes can also emerge slowly from cracks in the Earth's crust, which are sometimes almost invisible, like in Türkiye."
ERUPTION RISK IN MANISA
When asked about the magma chambers discovered in Manisa and the potential eruption risk, Prof. Dr. Ersoy highlighted the historical significance of the region: "In Manisa Kula, there are human footprints preserved in volcanic ash. This indicates a past eruption. Researchers have identified that the magma chamber is close to the surface and could become active. However, no specific timeline has been given. They are pointing out the potential risk, not issuing an immediate eruption warning."
Prof. Dr. Ersoy emphasizes that for a volcano to erupt, there must be a connection between the magma chamber and the surface. He adds, "To monitor volcanic activity, we need to observe the area closely. For example, if small tremors occur or gas emissions are detected in the crater, these could be signs that an eruption is imminent."
DORMANT, NOT EXTINCT
Türkiye's volcanoes have shown signs of activity in the past. Prof. Dr. Ersoy gives examples of past volcanic eruptions, stating, "Hasan Mountain, Erciyes, Ararat, Nemrut, Süphan, and Tendürek are the most well-known volcanoes in Türkiye. For example, when Hasan Mountain erupted in 6200 BC, people living in Hattusa depicted the event on their walls. Ararat erupted around 2,500 years ago, Tendürek 2,000 years ago, and Erciyes between 1441 and 1597 AD."
While there has been no recent activity, this does not mean the volcanoes are extinct. "Türkiye's volcanoes are not extinct; they are simply dormant. They have erupted in the past, but there is no critical situation at the moment. However, keeping them under observation would be beneficial," Prof. Dr. Ersoy concludes.
VOLCANIC ACTIVITY TRIGGERED BY EARTHQUAKES?
One of the most debated topics is whether dormant volcanoes could become active again in the event of an earthquake. Prof. Dr. Ersoy reassures that Türkiye's volcanoes are unlikely to be triggered by earthquakes. However, he draws attention to the South Aegean region's volcanoes, stating, "Greece has six volcanoes in the South Aegean. If major earthquakes occur in this region, both tsunamis and volcanic activity could be triggered."
He provides examples of how this could indirectly affect Türkiye: "When Mount Vesuvius erupted in Italy in 79 AD, its ash reached Istanbul. Similarly, when a volcano erupted in Iceland in 2010, 100,000 flights were canceled worldwide, as planes risked crashing if they flew through the volcanic ash cloud."
