Azernews.Az

By Sabina Idayatova

Seismic activity has increased in different regions of Azerbaijan, short-term observations revealed, the head of the Republican Seismological Service Center of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Gurban Yetirmishli, said on October 4.

According to Yetirmishli, in accordance with long-term observations, Shamakhi-Ismayilli is the most active seismic zone.

"There is also a lot of activity in the northern part of the Caspian Sea and in the south-eastern direction," he said.

Azerbaijan and its part of the Caucasus Mountains are located at the junction of the South Arabic and North Eurasian tectonic plates.These plates are always in movement, which causes earthquakes in the country's territory.

According to the scientist, in general, devastating earthquakes are not expected. In accordance with many-year-long research, seismic activity in Azerbaijan is at the "background level", he said, adding that minor tremors are observed in Azerbaijan.

"Some 60-70 tremors are recorded within a week and none of them are felt," the head of the center said.

Azerbaijan places a special emphasis on the development of seismic experience and installation of seismic stations. The first seismic station in Azerbaijan was established in 1902 in Baku.

According to Yetirmishli, the seismic monitoring system of the country has the most modern equipment and Azerbaijan is one of the 15 most advanced countries in the world in this regard.

"Some 35 units of seismic equipment have been installed in the country's territory, therefore, no subterranean process is left unattended," he said.

According to Yetirmishli, modern advanced equipment for seismic stations will be installed in the Caspian Sea. Three such facilities will be available.

"The project and all of the equipment are ready. There are certain technical issues that need to be resolved, as the installation of such equipment in the sea is a complicated process," he said.