Earthquakes in Cyprus

Geology and Seismic Activity

Cyprus is situated in a complex zone of interaction between Anatolia (part of the largest Eurasian plate) and the African plate. These two plates collide along the Cyprus Arc, which marks the boundary between the plates extending south of the island. This subduction zone is offset by a small transformation fault known as the Paphos Transformation Fault.

The collision of the African and Arab plates with the Eurasian plate has led to moderate to strong earthquakes in the region. The movement of these plates is also responsible for the formation of the Dead Sea Transformation Zone and the Eastern Anatolia fault, which contribute to the seismic activity in Cyprus.

List of Notable Earthquakes

The following table lists significant earthquakes that have affected the island of Cyprus:

| Date | Magnitude (MW) | Intensity |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1222 | 7.1–7.5 | Major disasters and tsunami |

Note: The magnitude and intensity values are approximate, as reliable seismographic data may not be available for older earthquakes.

References

* Sources:
+ [Insert sources]
* Explanatory notes:
+ Dead: Number of fatalities is often uncertain, especially in the case of long-ago earthquakes.
+ Coordinates: Are to be understood as approximations for earthquakes before the start of reliable seismographic detection.
+ Intensity: Unless otherwise stated, the intensity on the Modified Mercalli scale is meant.
+ Magnitudes:
- MW: moment magnitude
- MS: surface wave

Related Topics

* Disasters in Cyprus
* Geography of Cyprus