Production of iso-intensity map for the Elazig earthquake (jan 24, 2020) using citizen collected geodata

Abstract

Earthquake, depending on its intensity and location of epicentre, is one of the destructive hazards. Disaster mitigation after a severe earthquake are important to minimize its detrimental effects. Nowadays, several scientific disciplines, such as biodiversity, ecology, geosciences, natural hazards etc., utilize the Citizen Science (CitSci) approaches for various purposes, since the relevant attributes can easily be provided by non-experts with mobile devices. With the CitSci method, disaster related information can be identified and provided rapidly by locals during or after a disaster. Timely, in-situ data after an earthquake can also be collected with CitSci approaches via mobile devices, which can be even more important for all countries. In addition, scientific studies on earthquakes can be enriched and accelerated by using the information provided by volunteers. By collecting reliable data with the CitSci method, the disaster mitigation efforts can be improved, and losses may be decreased. This study aims at developing a CitSci pilot project by using the data collected by volunteers (citizens) to reduce the need for field work in creating earthquake iso-intensity maps and produce them promptly. The present study was based on the 6.8 Mw Elazig earthquake occurred at 20:55 UTC on January 24th, 2020. Through the mobile application "I felt the quake", the observations of citizens regarding the earthquake were collected. The intensities were revised from the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale. With the help of data, an iso-intensity map was created and compared to the map produced by The Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD), Turkey.