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“Armenian Director Debunks Myth Linking Winter Temperatures to Earthquakes”

On December 7, 1988, the city of Yerevan experienced a particularly chilly day with temperatures ranging from +13 to +15 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, in Gyumri, temperatures were slightly lower, ranging from +8 to +10 degrees Celsius. This weather phenomenon has sparked discussions about the potential connection between winter temperatures and earthquakes. Gagik Surenian, the director of the Hydrometeorological and Monitoring Center, recently shared his thoughts on this matter through a Facebook post.

Surenian pointed out that scientific studies have demonstrated that seismic activities are not directly influenced by meteorological conditions. This understanding has been reinforced since 1988, as there have been colder winters in subsequent years, but no notable increase in earthquake occurrences. Therefore, it is important to distinguish between weather patterns and geological phenomena.

While the cold temperatures experienced on December 7, 1988, might have made residents of Yerevan and Gyumri wonder about a potential earthquake risk, scientific evidence suggests otherwise. The director of the Hydrometeorological and Monitoring Center, Gagik Surenian, emphasized this point in a recent Facebook post.

According to Surenian, numerous scientific studies have demonstrated that meteorological conditions, such as cold temperatures, do not directly contribute to seismic activities. Despite colder winters in subsequent years since 1988, there has been no significant rise in the occurrence of earthquakes. It is important to separate weather-related concerns from geological phenomena to ensure accurate understanding and analysis.

As reported by NEWS.am, on December 7, 1988, Yerevan experienced a rather chilly day with temperatures ranging from +13 to +15 degrees Celsius. Similarly, Gyumri had slightly lower temperatures, ranging from +8 to +10 degrees Celsius. However, despite the belief that colder winter temperatures may increase the likelihood of earthquakes, scientific studies, as explained by Gagik Surenian, director of the Hydrometeorological and Monitoring Center, indicate no direct correlation between meteorological conditions and seismic activities.

Freelance journalist specializing in the underrepresented stories of the Russian far east.