In an intriguing revelation, unusually high land temperatures and levels of greenhouse gases were detected in Turkey days before the devastating earthquakes struck on February 6, 2023. This finding stems from a recent study conducted by Mehdi Akhoondzadeh of the University of Tehran.
Utilizing satellite data spanning from November 1, 2022, to February 10, 2023, Akhoondzadeh investigated physical and chemical changes, known as earthquake precursors, which could potentially serve as part of an intricate early warning system for seismic activities.
The earthquakes that ravaged Turkey and Syria, each measuring at least 7.6 in magnitude, resulted in a death toll exceeding 50,000, marking one of the deadliest seismic events in modern history. The study, published in the Journal of Applied Geodesy, highlighted that while scientists are aware of various earthquake precursors, identifying consistent patterns remains a significant challenge due to the complex interactions between these indicators.
According to Akhoondzadeh, every analyzed earthquake yields additional data, gradually unveiling patterns that may eventually enhance predictive capabilities. The research noted abnormal land surface temperatures 12-19 days before the earthquakes and elevated levels of water vapor, methane, ozone, and carbon monoxide 5-10 days prior to the seismic events. Notably, charged particles in the ionosphere showed unusual spikes 1-5 days before the quakes.
The author also elaborated on potential processes explaining these anomalies, though none have been definitively proven. Hypotheses include the radiation of warm gases from melt fluids inside the Earth and the activation of positive charges from underground rock pressure reaching the surface.
To advance earthquake early warning systems, researchers will need to further assess these phenomena across future seismic events, added Akhoondzadeh. The study extensively used data from the Chinese seismo-electromagnetic satellite, CSES-01, and the European Space Agency’s Swarm mission.
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Shambhu Kumar is a science communicator, making complex scientific topics accessible to all. His articles explore breakthroughs in various scientific disciplines, from space exploration to cutting-edge research.
