Variations of multi-parameter observations in atmosphere related to earthquake

In: Natural hazards and earth system sciences: NHESS, Band 13, Heft 1, S. 27-33

Abstract

Abstract. Anomalies of multi-parameters (outgoing longwave radiation, surface latent heat flux, air temperature, relative humidity, and air pressure) before the 12 May 2008 Wenchuan Ms =8.0 earthquake were discussed in order to obtain the seismic precursors. Multi-parameter data were computed based on multi-year background data. The results indicated that these parameters had significant variations prior to this event. The anomaly of outgoing longwave radiation was observed firstly, which gives an early warning. Next were air temperature, relative humidity, and air pressure, which had quasi-simultaneous variations in the basin and the mountain region close to the epicenter. The last was surface latent heat flux, which happened the day before this event. The characteristics of the parameter variations for this event are similar to other earthquakes, which is demonstrated in some other publications. The variations can be attributed to solid earth degassing and chemical reactions in the atmosphere. Additionally, the emission of gases from solid earth into the atmosphere could be ascribed to the tectonic stress of the Wenchuan earthquake.