Greece maps its active seismic faults for the first time

Greek scientists have recorded more than 2,000 traces of active seismic faults and almost 4,000 fault traces in total, creating the first comprehensive database dedicated to tectonic activity in Greece, the most seismic country in Europe. The results of the study were published in the journal Scientific Data, and experts say the new tool will have a major impact on how Greece designs its critical infrastructure. Vasiliki Mouslopoulou, a member of the research team at the National Observatory in Athens, told ANA that the dataset is a crucial step for the safety of transport routes, bridges, dams and power plants. "Infrastructures need to be designed based on understanding the distribution of active earthquake sources, which can generate ground movements,” the geologist explained. The study shows that Greece is the "most seismically active country in Europe", being affected by: a dynamic subduction system, the fastest continental drift in the world, numerous tectonic microplates in the Aegean Sea area. The database is called AFG (Active Faults Greece) and includes: 3,815 fault traces, grouped into 892 faults, of which over half are mapped for the first time, approximately 2,000 traces are classified as active. This is the most extensive and detailed seismic mapping ever carried out in Greece.

The country frequently experiences strong telluric movements, and events in recent months underline the relevance of the research: - May 2025: an earthquake of 6.1 magnitude struck Crete and was felt as far as Athens; - January-February 2025: the island of Santorini recorded hundreds of earthquakes, which led to the evacuation of thousands of residents and concerns about a possible reactivation of the volcanic system.

The researchers say the AFG database will be used for: urban planning, resilient infrastructure design, updating seismic hazard maps, and preparing for emergency interventions. The project represents, according to experts, a model for other countries located in areas with high seismic risk.