On January 12, 2007 at 12.00 (noon) local time (GMT 08.00 a.m.) the seismic stations of the Armenian National Survey for Seismic Protection (Armenian NSSP) have recorded the 3.6 M earthquake. The epicenter of the earthquake has been located in the territory of Armenia in Gegharkunik marz (region) at the distance of 19km to the southwest from the city of Gavar. The hypocenter was at the depth of 10km and earthquake intensity was 5-6 value on MSK-64 intensity scale.
Other than Gavar-city the shakings have been sensed at a number of settlements including Vardenis, Sevan and Charentsavan cities. In the capital city of Yerevan the earthquake intensity was 3 value.
In Gavar-city the cracks occurred on the walls of some buildings, the ceiling chandeliers were swayed, sets in the cabinets were overturned and broken. People quitted their homes in panic.
In the same day and place the weaker 5 shakings (M2.0-3.2) were followed in the time interval 00.55 – 11.47p.m. The hypocenters of the earthquakes were at the depth of 10-15km and earthquakes intensities at the epicenters were 3-5 value. Next day, January 13, 2007, at 08.12 a.m. and 02.00 p.m. two M2.8 and M2.5 (intensity 3-4value in epicenter, depth of 15km) seismic events have been recorded at the same place (see the picture below).

The epicenters of the earthquakes mentioned above were located at the seismically active Azat-Sevan geological fault. There were no earthquake in the past and modern time at this fault. The nearest well-known seismic event, the Garni 6.9M earthquake of 1679 caused 228 victims, but that earthquake were adjoined to another geological structure namely Garni-Elpine active fault.
The eight earthquakes mentioned above are classified as weak ones by the international rating system and the Law “On Seismic Protection” of the Republic of Armenia. The stress accumulated in the crust was somewhat released through those earthquakes. The seismic energy and stress accumulating in the Earth’s interior will result in a major earthquake with grave consequences unless they were released in the form of weak and moderate earthquakes.
Aiming at seismic regime study and current seismic hazard assessment the Armenian NSSP conducts round clock seismic monitoring through data acquisition and processing and analysis with appropriate comments and recommendations.