Date Time
Preseismic Atmospheric Radon Anomaly Associated with 2018 Northern Osaka Earthquake
The concentration of the radioactive element radon is known to change in the ground before and after earthquakes. Previous studies have shown elevated radon levels in the atmosphere before the mainshock of a large inland earthquake due to foreshock activity and slow slip.
But now, researchers from Tohoku University have revealed an anomaly in this phenomenon. Through the analysis of data before and after the 2018 Northern Osaka Earthquake, they discovered that the atmospheric radon concentration decreased.
The results of their research were published online in Scientific Reports on April 2, 2021.
Using data from the 1995 Kobe Earthquake, researchers have uncovered a better understand about radon concentration in the atmosphere before and after earthquakes. The findings move us closer to being able to predict when large earthquakes will occur.