The 27 September 2021 Earthquake in Central Crete (Greece)—Detailed Analysis of the Earthquake Sequence and Indications for Contemporary Arc-Parallel Extension to the Hellenic Arc

The Arkalochori village in central Crete was hit by a large earthquake (Mw = 6.0) on 27 September 2021, causing casualties, injuries, and severe damage to the infrastructure. Due absence of apparent surface rupture initial focal mechanism solution seismic event, we initiated complementary, multi-disciplinary research combining seismological remote sensing data processing, followed extensive field validation. Detailed geological mapping, fault measuring accompanied with tectonic analysis, photorealistic model creation unmanned aerial system post-seismic deformation analysis DInSAR image interpretation coupled accurately relocated epicenters recorded locally established seismographs have been carried out. combination results obtained from these techniques led determination contemporary stress regime that caused Crete, which found compatible extensional processes parallel Hellenic arc.