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Published in:
Physical, Chemical and Nuclear Properties of Radon: An Introduction Read chapter Read first chapter

2016 | OriginalPaper | Chapter

10. Radon as a Tracer for Earthquake Studies

Author : Mark Baskaran

Published in: Radon: A Tracer for Geological, Geophysical and Geochemical Studies

Publisher: Springer International Publishing

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Abstract

Radon is one of the most widely used tracers as a precursor for earthquake prediction studies due to its unique chemical properties (no adsorption, dissolution or precipitation). Its transport in subsurface environment is primarily controlled by radioactive decay, diffusion and advection. Seismic or volcanic activity in the subsurface environment results in the changes of stress-strain relationships of the subsurface material affecting the precursor signal. In this chapter, based on a large number of data reported in published literature, a summary of the mechanism of vertical transport of radon and the measured variations of radon concentration in soil-gas and groundwater in seismically-active regions (both earthquakes and volcanic eruption) is presented. A number of case studies linking 222Rn concentrations in soil-air and groundwater with earthquake activity, from major global earthquake regions, including Kobe Japan, North America (Southern California, Alaska and Hawaii), North-Western Himalaya, and Turkey are presented. Potential application of He/222Rn ratio as a precursor for predicting earthquakes is also presented. A summary of our current understanding on how effective the soil-air and groundwater radon concentrations are in predicting earthquakes and volcanic eruption is given and the potential future areas of research are highlighted.

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Metadata
Title
Radon as a Tracer for Earthquake Studies
Author
Mark Baskaran
Copyright Year
2016
Book
Radon: A Tracer for Geological, Geophysical and Geochemical Studies

Print ISBN: 978-3-319-21328-6

Electronic ISBN: 978-3-319-21329-3

Copyright Year: 2016

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-21329-3_10