Thermal Radiation Anomalies Associated with Major Earthquakes

Recent developments of remote sensing methods for Earth satellite data analysis contribute to our understanding of earthquake related thermal anomalies. It was realized that the thermal heat fluxes over areas of earthquake preparation is a result of air ionization by radon (and other gases) and consequent water vapor condensation on newly formed ions. Latent heat (LH) is released as a result of this process and leads to the formation of local thermal radiation anomalies (TRA) known as OLR (outgoing Longwave radiation, Ouzounov et al, 2007). We compare the LH energy, obtained by integrating surface latent heat flux (SLHF) over the area and time with released energies associated with these events. Extended studies of the TRA using the data from the most recent major earthquakes allowed establishing the main morphological features. It was also established that the TRA are the part of more complex chain of the short-term pre-earthquake generation, which is explained within the framework of a lithosphere-atmosphere coupling processes

Atmospheric Signals Associated with Major Earthquakes. A Multi-Sensor Approach

We are studying the possibility of a connection between atmospheric observation recorded by several ground and satellites as earthquakes precursors. Our main goal is to search for the existence and cause of physical phenomenon related to prior earthquake activity and to gain a better understanding of the physics of earthquake and earthquake cycles. The recent catastrophic earthquake in Japan in March 2011 has provided a renewed interest in the important question of the existence of precursory signals preceding strong earthquakes. We will demonstrate our approach based on integration and analysis of several atmospheric and environmental parameters that were found associated with earthquakes. These observations include: thermal infrared radiation, radon! ion activities; air temperature and humidity and a concentration of electrons in the ionosphere. We describe a possible physical link between atmospheric observations with earthquake precursors using the latest Lithosphere-Atmosphere-Ionosphere Coupling model, one of several paradigms used to explain our observations. Initial results for the period of2003-2009 are presented from our systematic hind-cast validation studies. We present our findings of multi-sensor atmospheric precursory signals for two major earthquakes in Japan, M6.7 Niigata-ken Chuetsu-oki of July16, 2007 and the latest M9.0 great Tohoku earthquakes of March 11,201

From visual comparison to robust satellite techniques: 30 years of thermal infrared satellite data analyses for the study of earthquake preparation phases

This review paper reports the main contributions and results achieved after more than 30 years of studies on the possible relationships among space-time variation of Earth’s thermally emitted radiation, measured by satellite sensors operating in the Thermal InfraRed (TIR) spectral range (8-14 m), and earthquake occurrence. Focus will be given on the different existing methods/models to: 1) discriminate a possible pre-seismic TIR anomaly from all the other TIR signal fluctuations; 2) correlate such anomalies with space, time and magnitude of earthquakes; 3) physically justify such a correlation

Geosystemics View of Earthquakes

Earthquakes are the most energetic phenomena in the lithosphere: their study and comprehension are greatly worth doing because of the obvious importance for society. Geosystemics intends to study the Earth system as a whole, looking at the possible couplings among the different geo-layers, i.e., from the earth’s interior to the above atmosphere. It uses specific universal tools to integrate different methods that can be applied to multi-parameter data, often taken on different platforms (e.g., ground,marine or satellite observations). Itsmain objective is to understand the particular phenomenon of interest from a holistic point of view. Central is the use of entropy, together with other physical quantities that will be introduced case by case. In this paper, we will deal with earthquakes, as final part of a long-term chain of processes involving, not only the interaction between different components of the Earth’s interior but also the coupling of the solid earth with the above neutral or ionized atmosphere, and finally culminating with the main rupture along the fault of concern. Particular emphasis will be given to some Italian seismic sequences.Publishedid 4121A. Geomagnetismo e PaleomagnetismoJCR Journa

Detection and monitoring of earthquake precursors: Twinsat, a Russia-uk satellite project

There is now a body of evidence to indicate that coupling occurs between the lithosphere–atmosphere–ionosphere prior to earthquake events. Nevertheless the physics of these phenomena and the possibilities of their use as part of an earthquake early warning system remain poorly understood. Proposed here is a programme to create a much greater understanding in this area through the deployment of a dedicated space asset along with coordinated ground stations, modelling and the creation of a highly accessible database. The space element would comprise 2 co-orbiting spacecraft (TwinSat) involving a microsatellite and a nanosatellite, each including a suite of science instruments appropriate to this study. Over a mission duration of 3 years ∼ 400 earthquakes in the range 6–6.9 on the Richter scale would be ‘observed’. Such a programme is a prerequisite for an effective earthquake early warning system

The challenges and possibilities of earthquake predictions using non-seismic precursors

Open Access via the Springer Compact AgreementPeer reviewedPublisher PD

Entropy based analysis of satellite magnetic data for searching possible electromagnetic signatures due to big earthquakes

The importance of detecting possible electromagnetic signatures due to big earthquakes is self-evident, signatures which can be either anticipating, simultaneous or subsequent with respect to the main shock. Taking advantage of the present low Earth orbiting CHAMP satellite, we apply two “ad hoc” techniques both based on the Information Theory (after the seminal monograph by Shannon [1]) to the satellite magnetic data with the aim at extracting eventual time anomalies. These techniques have different time-space resolutions: the first technique requires a preliminary spherical harmonic analysis of daily magnetic data and, potentially, detects long-wavelength variations, while the second uses a preliminary wavelet analysis and can detect shorter-wavelength anomalies. Some examples are given for magnetic satellite data taken in correspondence with the two big earthquakes occurred in the Sumatra region on 26 December 2004 (M = 9.1) and 28 March 2005 (M = 8.6)

Is land surface temperature an earthquake precursor?

Dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Geospatial TechnologiesThis study aims to investigate and explain the land surface temperature variations before and after the earthquake of August 11, 2012 that struck Iran, by making critical considerations of weather factors. This goal underlies two main objectives. The first objective was to detect land surface temperature anomalies over time in respect to the day of the earthquake, and over space relative to the location of the earthquake epicentre. The other main objective was to determine whether the detected anomalies originated from the weather, or the earthquake. To meet these objectives, observations of remote sensing land surface temperature, near-ground air temperature and air temperature of multiple atmospheric levels were used. All the datasets were daily night-time observations extending to a period of five years, repeatedly from July 11, to August 31. All the observations of the three datasets were visualized in space and time to seek anomalous temperature patterns. The results showed several prominent land surface temperature increases over the 5-year period, but none of them fell out a few days before the earthquake. The most enduring land surface temperature increase occurred two days after the earthquake. In contrast to the land surface temperature, air temperature exhibited the sharpest anomalies of the entire period a few days before the earthquake. Both the air and the land surface temperature increased periodically few times within the 5-year period. The high temperature patterns that were detected in the near-ground air also matched in time with the patterns found in the temperature of multiple atmospheric levels. All three approaches undertaken in this study were consistent with each-other in terms of results. Based on those results, it was concluded that there were no land surface temperature anomalies in the expected few days before the earthquake. All the detected temperature increases were indeed seasonal patterns repeating roughly in the same period of the year, and in the same spatial extent and intensity. These warm patterns were due to normal weather cycles. The sharp air temperature anomalies detected in the few days preceding the earthquake may suggest that the focus, if thermal precursors exist at all, should indeed be set on the air temperature instead of land surface temperature

Irpinia earthquake 23 November 1980 – Lesson from Nature reviled by joint data analysis

A devastating earthquake of magnitude 6.9 occurred in Southern Italy on 23rd November 1980 in Irpinia-Basilicata area. Variations of different geochemical, atmospheric and ionospheric parameters and electromagnetic emissions were registered around the time of the Irpinia earthquake. The substantial progress reached in understanding the physics of the electromagnetic and thermal anomalies associated with the earthquake preparation process permitted us to create the Lithosphere-Atmosphere-Ionosphere (LAI) coupling model published recently. It shows that the observed effects are not independent but present the cause-consequence chain of physical processes and plasma- chemical reactions. We try to analyze the seismic data, radon emanation, hydrological anomalies, ground based ionosondes network, NOAA/AVHRR Thermal Infrared Irradiance (TIR) anomaly, Intercosmos-19 satellite topside sounding and VLF emissions data using the concept of the developed model and existing laboratory and largescale active experiments on air ionization. If the observed radon activity is really connected with the earthquake preparation process, all other variations of the atmosphere and ionosphere parameters can be explained as a consequence of the main physical process – air ionization by radon

Technology Resources for Earthquake Monitoring and Response (TREMOR)

Earthquakes represent a major hazard for populations around the world, causing frequent loss of life, human suffering, and enormous damage to homes, other buildings, and infrastructure. The Technology Resources for Earthquake Monitoring and Response (TREMOR) proposal is designed to address this problem. This proposal recommends two prototype systems integrating space-based and ground technology. The suggested pilot implementation is over a 10-year period in three focus countries – China, Japan, and Peru – that are among the areas in the world most afflicted by earthquakes. The first proposed system is an Earthquake Early Warning Prototype System that addresses the potential of earthquake precursors, the science of which is incomplete and considered controversial within the scientific community. We recommend the development and launch of two small satellites to study ionospheric and electromagnetic precursors. In combination with ground-based precursor research, the data gathered will improve existing knowledge of earthquake-related phenomena. The second proposed system is an Earthquake Simulation and Response Prototype. An earthquake simulator will combine any available precursor data with detailed knowledge of the affected areas using a Geographic Information System (GIS) to identify those areas that are most likely to experience the greatest level of damage. Mobile satellite communication hubs will provide telephone and data links between response teams, while satellite navigation systems will locate and track emergency vehicles. We recommend a virtual response satellite constellation composed of existing and future high resolution satellites. We also recommend education and training for response teams on the use of these technologies. The two prototypes will be developed and implemented by a proposed non-profit nongovernmental organization (NGO) called the TREMOR Foundation, which will obtain funding from government disaster management agencies and NGOs. A for-profit subsidiary will market any spin-off technologies and provide an additional source of funding. Assuming positive results from the prototype systems, Team TREMOR recommends their eventual and permanent implementation in all countries affected by earthquakes.Postprint (published version