Satellites can help detect early warning signs weeks before earthquakes

Satellites may detect early earthquake signs weeks in advance by spotting anomalies in the lithosphere, atmosphere, and ionosphere, new research suggests.

: Research by Dr. Mehdi Akhoondzadeh found potential earthquake warning signs in satellite data weeks before a major quake. Anomalies were observed in the lithosphere, atmosphere, and ionosphere. Further studies could lead to significant advancements in early earthquake detection systems.

Researcher Dr. Mehdi Akhoondzadeh analyzed satellite data from multiple sources around the 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquake. He found temperature spikes in the lithosphere up to three weeks before the quake, suggesting early warning signs.

Following the lithosphere clues, atmospheric anomalies were detected including strange readings on water vapor, methane, and other substances about 12 to 19 days prior to the earthquake. The ionosphere displayed irregularities from five days out, with more apparent deviations just 24 hours before the event.

Dr. Akhoondzadeh proposed the theory of 'lithosphere-atmosphere-ionosphere coupling' (LAIC) to explain the sequence of anomalies. This hypothesis needs further validation by analyzing data from more quakes. If proven reliable, this could greatly improve earthquake early warning systems and save lives.

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