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Recent results of hydrogeochemical studies for earthquake prediction in the USSR

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Abstract

The paper reviews the chief results of the hydrogeochemical and hydrogeodynamic investigations conducted for earthquake prediction in all seismic regions of the USSR.

An extensive amount of data on the variations of approximately 40 hydrogeochemical and hydrogeodynamic parameters were collected with a broad network of 83 stations. These data are analysed in connection with regional seismic activities. The hydrogeochemical precursors are classified on the basis of statistical treatment of the regular observations. Several features of the hydrogeochemical anomalies that depend on the physicochemical nature of the precursor, geological conditions in a given region, and features of the expected seismic event are pointed out. Some sophisticated statistical methods of data analysis and several examples of actual earthquake predictions based on hydrogeochemical methods are given.

Hydrogeochemical and hydrogeodynamic precursors are found to be highly effective for shortterm predictions. Possible mechanisms that may cause hydrogeochemical precursors are discussed. Sophisticated automatic equipment developed in the Soviet Union for hydrogeochemical and hydrogeodynamic observations are briefly mentioned.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. V. I. Vernadsky Institute of Geochemistry and Analytical Chemistry, USSR Academy of Sciences, Kosygin Street 19, 117334, Moscow, USSR

    V. L. Barsukov, G. M. Varshal & N. S. Zamokina

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  1. V. L. Barsukov
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  2. G. M. Varshal
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  3. N. S. Zamokina
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Barsukov, V.L., Varshal, G.M. & Zamokina, N.S. Recent results of hydrogeochemical studies for earthquake prediction in the USSR. PAGEOPH 122, 143–156 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00874588

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