FEFU researchers invented new model of earthquake prediction

A new model for short-term forecasting of seismic events has been developed by Semen Gordeev, Professor, School of Natural Sciences of Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU), co-authored with Victoria Voloshyna, PhD in Engineering. This unique worldwide technology allows predicting earthquakes and, according to the estimates by the authors, can be successfully applied in the Pacific islands.

The inventors suggest using fixed (meteorological) stations and seismic sensors, which measure their altitude and horizontal offset. The network of such stations, placed in a specific order on the vast territory of islands or mainland, keeps tracking of the offset marks, which means a harbinger of the seismic movement. The technology has been presented at the international scientific conference and aroused great interest among scientists.

"The proposed prediction model is not based on indirect signs of seismic events, but on studying data of geophysical processes that lead to earthquakes. Such kind of forecasting technology is offered for use for the first time not only in Russian, but also in world practice," stressed Professor Semen Gordeev.

Researchers note that the new method lets one to quickly analyze data and timely alert services and population about the probable crustal movements. The technology also will be useful for taking into account the seismic factor when choosing a place for the construction of such potentially dangerous objects, such as nuclear power plants. The developed hardware and software solution can be applied in the islands beyond the continents with high mountains (Kuril Islands, Sakhalin, Japan, the Philippines, Taiwan, and others).