Expert: Northern Winds Behind Marmara Sea 20m Level Drop
Scientist Explains Marmara Sea Level Drop by Northern Winds
The sudden retreat of the Marmara Sea by around 20 meters along Turkey’s coastline was caused by prevailing northern winds, according to Igor Medvedev, head of the Tsunami Laboratory at the Shirshov Institute of Oceanology of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
Timeline of the Event
He said the sea level had been declining for several days, following this sequence:
- December 7–8: The decline began.
- December 15–16: Water level reached its lowest point.
- After this date, a gradual recovery began.
The phenomenon affected both the northern and southern coasts of the Marmara Sea.
Local Observations and Impact
Earlier, Turkish media reported that the phenomenon was observed in the Marmara Ereğlisi district of Tekirdağ province, raising concern among local residents.
The visual impact of the recession was significant, leading to two main effects on the coastline:
- Sandy islets appeared as the water receded.
- Several boats were left stranded in shallow waters.
This scientific explanation confirms the event as a notable but natural meteorological occurrence, aligning with earlier reassurances from authorities that it did not indicate seismic risk.
