Atmosphere response to pre-earthquake processes revealed by satellite and ground observations. Case study for few strong earthquakes in Xinjiang, China (2008-2014)

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Dimitar Ouzounov
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6392-2307
Sergey Pulinets
Ke Sun
Xuhui Shen
Menas Kafatos

Abstract

We are presenting the latest results of multi-sensor observations of short-term pre-earthquake phenomena preceding significant earthquakes. We study satellite thermal infrared radiation (OLR) anomalous signals in association with three major earthquakes, which occurred in Xinjiang province, China at different periods M7.3 of 02.12.2014; M6.2 of 08.12.2012; and M7.2 of 03.20.2008. We systematically apply multi-sensor satellite thermal data and ground temperature /humidity and estimates of the atmospheric chemical potential (ACP) parameter. Data analyses include NOAA NPOESS, the Chinese geostationary satellite FY-2D, and in-situ hourly NOAA data from the Hotan weather station. In all three cases, we detected atmospheric satellite OLR anomalies developed near the epicenter area and ACP increases (significant change for 2008 and 2014, weak for 2012) over the major Altyn Tagh fault lines within 10-20 days before the earthquake event. These findings demonstrate the occurrence and reoccurrence of transient variations of these parameters, implying their connection with the earthquake preparation process.

Article Details

How to Cite
Ouzounov, D., Pulinets, S., Sun, K., Shen, X. and Kafatos, M. (2020) “Atmosphere response to pre-earthquake processes revealed by satellite and ground observations. Case study for few strong earthquakes in Xinjiang, China (2008-2014)”, Annals of Geophysics, 63(5), p. PA552. doi: 10.4401/ag-8080.
Section
Advances in multi-parametric, time-Dependent Assessment of Seismic Hazard and Earthquakes Forecast
Author Biographies

Dimitar Ouzounov, Center of Excellence in Earth Systems Modeling & Observations (CEESMO) Schmid College of Science & Technology, Chapman University One University Drive, Orange, CA 92866, USA

Associated Professor in Geophyiscs

Sergey Pulinets, Space Research Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, 84/32 Profsoyuznaya Str, Moscow, 117997, Russia

Professor in Space Physics

Ke Sun, 3Institute of Earthquake Prediction, China Earthquake Administration, 63 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100036, China

Senoir Research Scientist

Xuhui Shen, Institute of Crustal Dynamics, China Earthquake Administration, Anningzhuang Rd.1, Xisanqi, Haidian District, Beijing, 100085, China

Professor in Earth Observation