Abstract
The solid-state nuclear track detectors have long been applied to assess the activity of tectonic faults. We measured the Radon (Rn) concentration in soil gas on 09 profiles with a total of 245 measurement points in Thua Thien Hue area (Vietnam). Measurement results show that the Rn concentration in soil gas ranges from ~10 Bq/m3 to 144,570 Bq/m3. There is a clear difference in the Rn concentration on the granite rock of Dai Loc complex compared to the remaining rocks. The calculated background value and anomaly threshold of Rn concentration on the granite rock of Dai Loc complex and on the remaining rocks are 33,488 Bq/m3, 82,839 Bq/m3 and 5313 Bq/m3, 24,850 Bq/m3 respectively. Spatial distribution of Rn concentration in soil gas reflects the existence of faults since Rn concentration increases at the points above or near fault lines. The level of expression of fault activity is assessed by radon activity index (KRn), which is calculated by the ratio of anomaly value to background value of Rn concentration. According to KRn, in Thua Thien Hue area, only the Dakrong-Hue fault shows a strong expression of activity with high and very high KRn (the maximum KRn = 27.21). The Truong Son, Huu Trach River, Ta Trach River and Bo River fault zones do not show clear activity with low and medium KRn. There is no Rn anomaly value recorded on the Rao Trang fault, demonstrating that it is likely to be inactive at present. The study results indicate that the Rn concentration in soil gas is a strong evidence of the existence of faults or tectonic fracture zones as the Rn concentration always increases at the points above or near the fault line.
Highlights
Measurement of Rn concentration in soil gas has long been applied to detect tectonic faults (King et al, 1996)
The study results indicate that the Rn concentration in soil gas is a strong evidence of the existence of faults or tectonic fracture zones as the Rn concentration always increases at the points above or near the fault line
We suggested using radon activity index KRn—the ratio of anomaly value to background value of Rn concentration for classification of radon activity, which corresponds to the activity level of fault
Summary
Measurement of Rn concentration in soil gas has long been applied to detect tectonic faults (King et al, 1996) This method is widely used in fault study and effective in determination of active faults as well as studies on earthquake (e.g., King, 1978; Al-Hilal & Al-Ali, 2010; Baubron et al, 2002; Font et al, 2008; Ghosh et al, 2009; González-Díez et al, 2009; Haerudin et al, 2013; Hauksson, 1981; Ioannides et al, 2003; Lombardi & Voltattorni, 2010; Papastefanou, 2010; Richon et al, 2010; Seminsky & Demberel, 2013; Utkin & Yurkov, 2010; Wakita et al, 1980; Walia et al, 2008; Wang et al, 2014). The result of activity of tectonic fault zones will be the essential information for the seismic hazard analysis in the study area
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