Satellite thermal survey—a new tool for the study of seismoactive regions

Abstract

Abstract The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)series satellite thermal images (STI) study showed the presence of positive anomalies of the outgoing Earth radiation flux recorded at night time and associated with largest linear structures and fault systems of the crust. The analysis of a continuous series (100-250 days) of nightly STI data for a period of 10 years allowed identification of a set of IR radiation anomalies in the Central Asian seismoactive region, Iran, Egypt, etc. About 10 000 NOAA images were analysed. It was actually discovered that there was a statistically significant correlation between the activity of IR anomalies (mean value of area per year or month) and the seismic activation of the Central Asian seismoactive region. At present the nature of stable and non-stable IR anomalies is not clear. In all probability hydrogeological factors or the greenhouse effect play a main role in forming the anomalies. Thus, satellite thermal survey is a tool for investigations of seismoactive regions and for earthquake predictions.