Hey Lykkers! Have you ever heard news reports mentioning unusual occurrences just before an earthquake?
These might include things like a sudden increase in the number of earthworms coming to the surface, disappearing underground water, or even strange gas smells.
Scientists have been trying to figure out if there are real signs before an earthquake happens, and research has shown that these odd phenomena might indeed be connected to upcoming earthquakes.
How Earthquakes Occur in Taiwan
In Taiwan, most earthquakes are caused by the movement of tectonic plates, which causes the Earth's crust to shift and form faults. When these faults form, they create cracks in the Earth's surface, and these cracks act like channels that allow gases from deep within the Earth to mix with the gases in the soil. Normally, the composition and concentration of gases in the soil don't change much, but when these gases quickly mix with those from the Earth's crust, it can cause noticeable changes in the soil gas levels.
How Scientists Track Gas Changes
Taking advantage of this principle, scientists set up special iron pipes and soil gas collectors above fault zones to gather soil gas samples. They then use portable gas analyzers to check for any unusual changes in the composition and concentration of gases. Common gases analyzed include radon (Rn), helium (He), carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), hydrogen (H2), argon (Ar), and nitrogen (N2). Among these, radon gas has been used in earthquake precursor research since 1956.
Radon: A Key Gas in Earthquake Prediction
Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas that naturally exists in small amounts in soil and rocks (especially granite). While it's harmful to humans—long-term exposure to high levels of radon can lead to lung cancer—it's usually present in very low concentrations at the Earth's surface, so we don't typically have to worry about it.
However, scientists have discovered that before an earthquake, the concentration of radon in soil gas, underground water, and the atmosphere can experience abnormal changes.
Earthquake Prediction Through Radon Changes
In 1966, scientists used this method to successfully predict an earthquake in Tashkent by observing unusual levels of radon gas in water wells in the region. Since then, researchers have focused on tracking changes in radon levels as a potential sign of seismic activity.
Successful Earthquake Forecasting in Taiwan
In Taiwan, several successful examples of earthquake prediction have come from geochemical studies. For instance, near the Hsinchu Science Park, extending east to the Guanxi area along the New City Fault, scientists detected unusually high levels of helium gas in soil gas samples taken near the fault zone.
This finding matched geological surveys that identified the location of the New City Fault. Similarly, at the foothill fault zone in northern Taiwan, gas anomalies detected in soil samples corresponded to the fault's known location.
Ongoing Geochemical Observations in Taiwan
The National Research Institute of Earthquake Engineering has set up soil gas observation stations at sites like the Hsinchu New City Fault, Tainan Xinhua Fault, and Yilan Jiaoxi. Additionally, institutions such as National Taiwan University's Department of Geology, the Institute of Earth Sciences at Academia Sinica, and the Tatun Volcano Observatory have also established similar stations to conduct long-term geochemical observations.
In recent years, several earthquake events have been successfully predicted based on the observed changes in soil gas composition.
Final Thoughts: Are Earthquakes Predictable?
While it's not yet possible to predict every earthquake with complete accuracy, the study of soil gases and changes in radon levels has proven to be a valuable tool for forecasting earthquakes in certain regions. By continuing these observations, we may be able to detect potential earthquakes earlier, helping communities prepare and potentially save lives. Stay informed, Lykkers, and let's continue exploring the fascinating ways science helps us understand and prepare for natural disasters.
