Fault Kinematic Controls on the Spatio‐Temporal Proximity of the 2023 Mw 7.8‐7.7 Türkiye Earthquakes

Abstract The mechanism governing the spatio‐temporal proximity of the 2023 Mw 7.8‐7.7 Türkiye earthquakes remains enigmatic. Here, we used dense geodetic observations integrated with dual‐fault screw dislocation, Euler‐vector‐constrained block, and strain‐rate models to investigate the interseismic kinematics and pre‐stress state of the East Anatolian Fault Zone (EAFZ). We showed that the Pazarcık and Çardak segments exhibit slip rates of 6.0–7.5 mm/yr and 2.0–2.5 mm/yr, respectively, reconciling long‐standing geodetic‐geologic discrepancies in regional slip partitioning. We found ambient pre‐stress both promotes rupture cascades on single strands and prevents inter‐strand propagation, segmenting ruptures into doublet events. Strain localization and strain‐axes rotation provide geodetic evidence for lithospheric heterogeneity control between the Arabian and Anatolian plates over the kinematic behavior and seismic activity of the EAFZ. Our study highlights the seismic risk arising from near‐synchronous ruptures of fault systems shaped by lithospheric heterogeneity across crustal and mantle depths.