A colossal fissure stretching 1,500 kilometers from southeastern Turkey to northwestern Iran was recently discovered by German scientists. Dr. Renas Koshnaw, the study’s author, stated, “This tectonic plate continues to pull this region down. The crack unfolds from Turkey towards Iraq like a page torn from a calendar.” On the other hand, Turkish geologist Professor Naci Görür had previously issued a warning on this matter, emphasizing the risk of a potentially catastrophic earthquake related to the Bitlis-Zagros fault line.

An international research team led by the University of Göttingen in Germany unearthed the massive crack extending 1,500 kilometers from southeastern Turkey to northwestern Iran. The study focused on how the forces exerted by the Zagros Mountains in Iraq have influenced the curvature of the Earth’s surface over the past 20 million years.

“NARROWING AS IT APPROACHES TURKEY” The research revealed that the Tetis Ocean floor beneath the Earth’s surface horizontally ruptured, causing the fissure to extend from Turkey to Iran. The movement diminishes especially as it nears Turkey, triggering the spread of a significant rift on the surface. “PLATE TEARS LIKE A CALENDAR PAGE” Scientists revealed that the Tetis Ocean remnants buried beneath the Zagros Mountains today profoundly impact Turkey’s geological structure. Dr. Renas Koshnaw from the University of Göttingen underscored that this plate is “disintegrating slowly but steadily, just like a calendar page tearing.” Researchers argued that the weight of the mountains cannot singlehandedly explain the 3-4 km deep depression formed by sediment over the last 15 million years. RAISING ALARMS ABOUT EARTHQUAKES Prof. Jonas Kley from the University of Göttingen stated, “Understanding what is happening in the Earth’s crust is crucial for potential earthquakes.” Such studies could lead to practical applications by providing information for discovering sedimentary ore deposits, geothermal energy, and measuring earthquake risks. NACI GÖRÜR’S EARLIER WARNING On the other hand, Turkish geologist Prof. Naci Görür had previously issued a warning regarding this matter. Görür highlighted the Bitlis-Zagros fault line, saying, “Tectonic movements can trigger major earthquakes. Cities need to become more resilient.” Görür also emphasized the necessity of making Diyarbakır earthquake-resistant, given that an earthquake along the Bitlis-Zagros fault could lead to a significant disaster in Diyarbakır.