Abstract
Method for geophysical monitoring of the earth's crust has been introduced since 2000 aiming to study the earth's crust of Central Armenia. The method allows to track modern geodynamic processes of the region. The nature of time-space distribution of hydrogeodeformation processes of Central Armenia has been studied. The nature of space-time distribution of geodynamic intensity is determined. Anomalies of components of chemical composition of water have been recorded on stress-strain areas of Earth's crust. Types of seismotectonic deformation have been determined. The present work introduces the hydrogeochemical method of studying the geodynamic processes of the Earth's crust of Armenia. The method is based on hydrogeochemical observations of the chemical composition of mineral waters and their comparison with seismicity. The objective of the hydro geochemical method is to identify hydrogeochemical effects which mainly occur in the changes of macro-component and gas composition of waters related to geodynamic movements of the Earth's crust. The results of the applicaiton of the hydrogeochemical method in the central part of the region, confirmed the connection of the parameters of seismic events variations with the chemical composition of groundwater, as well as carbon dioxide (СО<sub>2</sub>) dissolved in water. Stressed areas of the Earth's crust are observed according to the anomalies of components of chemical composition of water. Types of seismotectonic deformation are determined. Geochemical anomalies are most clearly observed in the macro-component composition of mineral water and gases. Seismic events are preceded by geochemical anomalies of components of water composition in relation to background values in percentage ratio. The hydrogeochemical method, combined with other methods, can serve as a reliable precursor to earthquakes and other geodynamic processes of the Earth's crust. The role of the hydrogeochemical method is also effective for short-term and operational prediction of tectonic movements of the Earth's crust (earthquakes, in particular).
Highlights
Armenia is rich in mineral water deposits, which are distributed throughout the region
The aim of the study was the assessment of the stressstrain state of the Earth's crust of central Armenia, the locations of hydrogeochemical observation points, and the calculation of the Lode-Nadai coefficient, which characterizes the type of seismotectonic deformation
Characteristic feature of mineral water is a high concentration of carbon dioxide, and sodium bicarbonate prevails in chemical composition of deep-seated water [6]
Summary
Armenia is rich in mineral water deposits, which are distributed throughout the region. Mineral water are generally confined to deep tectonic faults. This allows to observe tectonic stresses which lead to local and remote earthquakes. The impact of earthquakes on the mineral water has been known for a long time. It been stated in hydrogeological literature by Isnau, G. Ananyan and others [2] have highlighted the influence of earthquakes on the mineral water of Arzni resort during the period between 1968-1976. As a result of the work carried out, they revealed a change in the mineralization of the groundwater of the Arzni resort under the influence of seismic tremors. A sharp increase in the mineralization of the mineral water of Arzni resort after the Turkish earthquake of 1976 (24.11 197-6 M=7.6) was registered
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