Automated radon monitoring of seismicity in a fault zone

Abstract

Silicon photodiode detector and data logger are employed in soil gas radon measurement in Chuko fault zone in south central Taiwan. Time variation of radon shows that there is a radon earthquake preparation cycle with a fast radon build-up, then a sustaining high level, a spike-like anomaly, and then a faster decrease to near background level before the onset of an earth quake. The new integrated approach in soil gas radon monitoring reveals that the spike-like anomalies are superior precursors and could be used to delineate time and place of an earthquake. However, basement geology is a critical factor in determining time and place of earthquake. When multiple units of this system are emplaced at different locations, it is possible that the time, place, and magnitude of earthquakes could all be predicted.