The Destructive Earthquake Doublet of 6 February 2023 in South-Central Türkiye and Northwestern Syria: Initial Observations and Analyses

Abstract On 6 February 2023, two large earthquakes with magnitude 7.8 and 7.6 rocked south-central Türkiye northwestern Syria. At the time of writing, death toll exceeded 50,000 in 7200 The epicenter first mainshock was located ?15 km east Anatolian fault (EAF), second earthquake (9 hr later) initiated ?90 to north on east–west-trending Sürgü fault. Aftershocks delineate lengths ?350 ?170 km, respectively. Using satellite seismic data for first-order analyses surface-fault offsets, space–time rupture evolution, recorded ground motions, our study sheds light reasons extensive destruction. event ruptured EAF bilaterally, lasted ?80 s, created surface offsets over m. also bilaterally a duration ?35 s more than 7 m offsets. Horizontal accelerations reached locally up 2g mainshock; severe widespread shaking occurred Hatay-Antakia area values near 0.5g. Both are characterized by directivity effects abrupt cessation generating stopping phases that contributed strong radiation. Shaking further aggravated site-amplification effects.