Observation of pre-earthquake thermal signatures using geostationary satellites: implications for earthquake forecasting

Venkatanathan Natarajan; Philip Philipoff; Venkatesh Woolinur Sreedharan; Hareesh Venkatachalapathy

doi:10.1117/1.JRS.10.046004

18 October 2016 Observation of pre-earthquake thermal signatures using geostationary satellites: implications for earthquake forecasting

Venkatanathan Natarajan, Philip Philipoff, Venkatesh Woolinur Sreedharan, Hareesh Venkatachalapathy

Author Affiliations +

Journal of Applied Remote Sensing, Vol. 10, Issue 4, 046004 (October 2016). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.JRS.10.046004

Abstract

For the past several decades, scientists have been exploring the possibilities of decoding the complex physical mechanism of the earthquake process using satellites and ground-based technologies. In recent years, use of satellite-based technologies has been preferred, since monitoring a broader region and round-the-clock surveillance is possible using geostationary satellites. Using sensors mounted on satellites, it is possible to observe anomalous thermal variations in both the atmosphere and the ground. Measurement of anomalous variations in outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) is one such technology used to identify earthquake preparation zones. Anomalous variations in OLR have been observed in the vicinity of the epicenter, 3 to 30 days prior to impending earthquakes. We have analyzed the OLR scenario for earthquakes with magnitude greater than 7.0 that occurred during April 2016. Analysis has been done to find the relationship between OLR flux variations and the magnitude of the earthquakes. From the analysis, we have found that the recurrence frequency of OLR anomaly and cumulative energy flux of OLR can give us vital clues about the probable magnitude of impending earthquakes.

Citation Download Citation

Venkatanathan Natarajan, Philip Philipoff, Venkatesh Woolinur Sreedharan, and Hareesh Venkatachalapathy "Observation of pre-earthquake thermal signatures using geostationary satellites: implications for earthquake forecasting," Journal of Applied Remote Sensing 10(4), 046004 (18 October 2016). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.JRS.10.046004

Published: 18 October 2016

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available