Gurban Yetirmishli spoke about the work of the RSSC in Karabakh at a conference organized by the Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction

On May 21, the general director of the Republican Seismic Survey Center of ANAS, corresponding member of ANAS, Professor Gurban Yetirmishli took part in the scientific and technical online conference "Risks of Emergencies in the Territories Liberated from Occupation", organized by the Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction.

The academic secretary of ANAS, academician Adil Garibov, employees of AzUAC and representatives of a number of government structures attended the conference, chaired by the rector of AzUAC, Professor Gulchokhra Mammadova.

At the conference, the general director of the RSSC, corresponding member of ANAS, Professor Gurban Yetirmishli made a report on the theme "Study of environmental and seismic risks by complex geophysical and seismological methods in the regions of Karabakh, where reservoirs, ore deposits and large state facilities will be built."

The general director of the RSSC said that Karabakh, one of the most beautiful places of our homeland, was liberated after almost 30 years of separation. The valiant Azerbaijani army under the leadership of our Supreme Commander-in-Chief, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, liberated our lands from the clutches of the enemy. The occupation, which lasted almost 30 years, robberies, atrocities by Armenian vandals, destruction of villages and cities have created an unprecedented picture in the world. Such destruction has not been seen in the most terrible regions of the world, where there is a war, and even the most powerful earthquakes did not cause such destruction.

Professor Gurban Yetirmishli noted that the study of the seismic situation in the region before the occupation of Karabakh, clarification of the geological and tectonic structure, seismic resistance of projects of national importance and the study of earthquakes in this region was one of the main scientific directions of the RSSC. Before the occupation, seismic stations belonging to the RSSC operated in these areas, and the seismicity of the region was carefully controlled. Based on this information, maps of seismic activity were compiled. At the same time, there were changes in geophysical zones due to the tension in the region.

During the occupation, the seismic stations of the RSSC located in the Kalbadjar, Djabrayil and Aghdam districts were destroyed by the armenians, as well as seismological and geophysical instruments were looted. Due to the occupation, which lasted almost thirty years, Azerbaijani science, as in all areas, was seriously affected, and seismic observations were not carried out in this region. RSSC has already begun preparations for the reconstruction of previously operating stations in these territories.

Seismic stations of the RSSC have been operating for several years in Fizuli and Aghdam districts. In the near future, it is planned to create the most modern seismological stations in Kalbadjar, Djabrayil, Shusha, Khankendi and other liberated districts, as well as to begin research work in this region. The RSSC work plans in 2021 include issues related to the implementation of large-scale seismological and geophysical projects in Karabakh. In addition, there are large state facilities, reservoirs and power plants on the territory of Karabakh. RSSC also plans to study the seismic resistance of these objects in the near future. RSSC will actively participate in the determination of the seismicity of the territories of new facilities and the implementation of environmental projects.

The general director of the RSSC, Professor Gurban Yetirmishli also acquainted the conference participants with his views on the Metsamor NPP, the biggest real threat to the region. According to him, a large and active zone of tectonic fault passes through the territory of Armenia near the city of Yerevan and the Metsamor nuclear power plant. The seismic potential of this fault zone is estimated at M=7.5 on the Richter scale or 10 points on the 12-point MSK-64 scale. This indicates that the Metsamor NPP is located in a seismically very dangerous zone and the potential danger is imminent.

Further, discussions were held on the topics "The architectural heritage of Karabakh after 30 years of captivity", "Risks to water resources and hydraulic structures in the liberated territories", "Humanitarian demining in the liberated territories".

 Information Department of RSSC ANAS