Abstract
There is now a body of evidence to indicate that coupling occurs between the lithosphere–atmosphere–ionosphere prior to earthquake events. Nevertheless the physics of these phenomena and the possibilities of their use as part of an earthquake early warning system remain poorly understood. Proposed here is a programme to create a much greater understanding in this area through the deployment of a dedicated space asset along with coordinated ground stations, modelling and the creation of a highly accessible database. The space element would comprise 2 co-orbiting spacecraft (TwinSat) involving a microsatellite and a nanosatellite, each including a suite of science instruments appropriate to this study. Over a mission duration of 3years ∼ 400 earthquakes in the range 6–6.9 on the Richter scale would be ‘observed’. Such a programme is a prerequisite for an effective earthquake early warning system.
Highlights
Presented here is a proposal for coordinated experimental studies of lithosphere–atmosphere–ionosphere (LAI) coupling effects associated with seismic activity, as precursors to earthquakes
The proposed programme would include the flight of TwinSat – 2 coorbiting satellites that will make a range of measurements in the ionosphere, and coordinated ground-based observations
Economic impact can be enormous – it is estimated that the recent earthquake in Sendai caused $$265 billion in damage and while much of that would have been unavoidable, many lives would have been saved and much secondary damage avoided if an early warning system had been in place
Summary
Presented here is a proposal for coordinated experimental studies of lithosphere–atmosphere–ionosphere (LAI) coupling effects associated with seismic activity, as precursors to earthquakes. Chmyrev et al / Advances in Space Research 52 (2013) 1135–1145 most sophisticated and successful of those flown has been Demeter, the first satellite dedicated to natural disaster and technologic effects on the ionosphere (Cussac et al, 2006). It has a circular sun-synchronised orbit, initial altitude $710 km and operated in 2 modes, slow and burst (while above a seismically active region). A description of the proposed program involving a TwinSat space sector, coordinated ground segments and an underlying modeling activity is given
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