The February 6, 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquake Sequence (Mw=7.8 and Mw=7.5): Observed Rockfall Activity

Abstract

Earthquake-induced rockfalls are strongly influenced by ground motion characteristics, local geological conditions, lithology, and slope geometry. In seismically active regions, insufficient consideration of these factors can significantly increase slope instability and associated hazards. This study reviews the existing literature on earthquake-induced rockfalls and investigates rockfall events triggered by the February 6, 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes. Five representative rock samples collected from the affected area were subjected to laboratory-based mineralogical and petrographic analyses to characterize their composition and microstructural features. The laboratory results were evaluated together with field observations to better understand the failure mechanisms controlling seismic rockfall initiation. The findings show that mineralogical heterogeneity and microstructural weaknesses play a key role in facilitating rockfall initiation under seismic loading. Rockfalls were predominantly observed where such material weaknesses coincided with unfavorable slope conditions, highlighting the combined effect of rock fabric and seismic shaking. Based on the combined literature review and experimental evidence, potential mitigation and prevention strategies for reducing earthquake-induced rockfall hazards are discussed. The study contributes to improved seismic risk assessment and slope stability evaluation in high seismic hazard regions.

Keywords

• Earthquake-induced rockfalls
• Mineralogical analysis
• Secondary hazards
• Seismic hazard assessment
• Rock mass

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