Igor Medvedev, head of the tsunami laboratory at the Chershov Institute of Oceanography of the Russian Academy of Sciences, reported that the 20-meter drop in the Marmara Sea was a result of prevailing northerly winds

 

Medvedev said the drop in water level was linked to weather patterns, specifically northerly winds, adding that the low level had persisted for several days from December 7-8 and was noticeable on both the northern and southern coasts of the sea. On December 15-16, the sea level reached its lowest point before beginning to gradually rise.

On December 16, Turkish television channel Haberturk reported that the Sea of Marmara had suddenly receded by about 20 meters from the shore in the Marmara Ereglisi district of Tekirdağ province in western Turkey, causing concern among local residents. Sandbars had formed in the areas where the water receded, and several boats were stranded in the shallows.