The line of the earthquake, not epicentre, is what left devastating trail, says meteorologist

SHAH ALAM - Earthquakes are often judged from the perspective of their epicentres, but in the instance of the most devastating earthquake to hit Turkey since 1999, it should be discussed from the perspective of its line, said meteorologist Chad Myer.

Myers said the

“A 7.8 magnitude earthquake has struck in the region of Osmaniye and Gaziantep while 7.5 magnitude one in Elbistan," said Myers.

“About 10 miles from one side to the other, this earth slipped and this earth slip is what we call a strike slip where the plates are touching and all of a sudden they slide sideways,” he said, as quoted on CNN.

Myres said the construction initially moves primarily in a sideways direction before turning back.

“Unlike when we have the ring of fire, where we have these subduction plates and sometimes plates will go up and plates will go down causing the tsunamis.

“This is more of a sliding back and forth. Why that matters is because the buildings don't want to go back and forth. Andd then the secondary waves can begin to go up and down as well. The initial earthquake's hit is where the most significant damage will be felt immediately.

“About 60 miles separate the current earthquake from the initial earthquake, so more damage will also be seen there.

“It’s a much higher evaluation, almost 2000 feet higher in elevation than where the original quake was,” he added.