Seismic Hazard Implications of the 2025 Balıkesir Earthquake of Mw 6.1 for Western Türkiye

Abstract

On 10 August 2025, a powerful earthquake (Mw = 6.1) occurred in Bal & imath;kesir, located within the Aegean Graben System, one of T & uuml;rkiye's major tectonic elements, and was felt across a very wide region. This study presents a comprehensive assessment of the seismotectonic characteristics, recorded ground motions, and observed structural performance during this earthquake, focusing specifically on implications for regional seismic hazard assessment. Peak ground acceleration values obtained from local accelerometer stations were compared with predicted peak ground accelerations. The study also conducted comparisons for Bal & imath;kesir districts using the two most recent earthquake hazard maps used in T & uuml;rkiye. Comparative hazard analyses revealed whether existing seismic hazard maps adequately represent Bal & imath;kesir. The findings highlight the need for region-specific hazard model updates, improved implementation of earthquake-resistant design rules, and targeted retrofit strategies to mitigate future earthquake risk. The methodology adopted in this study involved comparative hazard analysis using the last two seismic hazard maps, evaluation of PGA's across 20 districts of Bal & imath;kesir Province, and a field-based survey of structural damage. This integrative approach ensured that both seismological and engineering perspectives were comprehensively addressed.