📰 Why in News?
A 6.2 magnitude earthquake recently struck Istanbul, with its epicenter in the Sea of Marmara. This event has reignited concerns about seismic activity along the North Anatolian Fault.
📍 About the Sea of Marmara
The Sea of Marmara is a small inland sea located entirely within Turkey, acting as a bridge between Europe and Asia.
Key Facts:
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Area: 11,350 sq. km
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Length: 280 km | Max Width: 80 km
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Separates European and Asian parts of Turkey
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Connected to:
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Black Sea via the Bosphorus Strait (northeast)
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Aegean Sea via the Dardanelles Strait (southwest)
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Transitional waterbody between Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea
🌊 Unique Salinity Structure
Due to its location, the Sea of Marmara has layered water salinity:
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Surface: Fresh, cold water from the Black Sea
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Deeper layers: Warm, salty water from the Mediterranean via the Dardanelles
This dual inflow creates a stratified aquatic ecosystem.
☁️ Climate
The region has a humid subtropical climate:
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Summers: Hot and humid
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Winters: Cold and wet
This climate influences both marine biodiversity and coastal population patterns.
⚡ Earthquake-Prone Zone: The North Anatolian Fault
The North Anatolian Fault passes directly beneath the Sea of Marmara, making it a seismically active region.
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Responsible for multiple devastating earthquakes in Turkish history
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Ongoing concern for Istanbul’s urban infrastructure and preparedness
🏝️ Notable Islands in the Sea
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Marmara Island: Turkey’s second-largest island, known for marble production
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Prince Islands: Popular for tourism
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Others: Avşa, Imrali, Ekinlik, and Paşalimani Islands
🏙️ Major Coastal Cities
Cities with strategic, economic, or historical significance:
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Istanbul
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Izmit
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Yalova
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Tekirdag
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Bursa
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Çanakkale
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Balikesir
✅ Conclusion
The Sea of Marmara holds immense geostrategic and geological importance. With active fault lines and dense coastal urbanization, it remains a critical area for disaster preparedness and regional stability. UPSC aspirants should monitor this region for topics in geography, disaster management, and international affairs.
At Vashishth IAS Academy, we emphasize integrating such current events with static portions of the GS syllabus to enhance Mains and Prelims readiness.