The 12 October 2021, $$M_W$$=6.4, Zakros, Crete earthquake

• DOI: 10.1007/s10950-023-10182-4
• Publication Date: 2024-01-15T09:02:53Z
• Authors: Konstantinos Lentas; Charikleia Gkarla...; Nikos Kalligeris; Nikolaos S. Melis

Abstract We study the strong 12 October 2021, $$M_W$$ <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"> <mml:msub> <mml:mi>M</mml:mi> <mml:mi>W</mml:mi> </mml:msub> </mml:math> =6.4, offshore Zakros, Crete earthquake, and its seismotectonic implications. obtain a robust location (azimuthal gap equal to 17 $$^{\circ }$$ <mml:msup> <mml:mrow /> <mml:mo>∘</mml:mo> </mml:msup> ) for mainshock by combining all freely available local, regional teleseismic phase arrivals (direct depth arrivals). Based on our spatial distribution of poor aftershock sequence we parameterise fault area as 30 km $$\times $$ <mml:mo>×</mml:mo> 20 planar surface, using three-component motion data calculate slip models both earthquake nodal planes. Our preferred solution shows simple, single episode NE-SW oriented, NW shallow-dipping plane, instead N-S almost vertical plane. An anti-correlation aftershocks versus maximum ( $$\sim <mml:mo>∼</mml:mo> 27 cm) model further supports this, although accuracy hypocentral locations could be somewhat questionable. Coulomb stress changes calculated kinematic do not show substantial differences, seismicity within first 3 months after is distributed along shadow zone over enhanced areas developed at southern edge, induced mainshock. The Kasos island tide gauge record analysis small signal but it can hardly demonstrate existence tsunami waves due low signal-to-noise ratio. Tsunami simulations computed two planes yield conclusive evidence highlight whether causative plane or oriented nevertheless, power spectrum matches spectral peak 8 s period overall closer record. A USGS Shakemap was also produced with local EMSC testimonies. This investigated in an effort document responsible fault. this study, slightly suggests rather westward, zone, being antithetic main Zakros normal which shapes coast eastern perpendicular direction Ptolemy Trench area. result agrees bathymetric support approximately trending grabens, east northeast Crete.