Extension of the radon monitoring network in seismic areas in Romania

The Romanian National Institute of Earth Physics (NIEP) developed a radon monitoring network mainly for Vrancea seismic are characterized by deep earthquakes (a rectangle zone in longitude/ latitude 25.05⁰/ 46.21⁰ - 27.95⁰/ 44.69⁰, 60 Km – 250 Km). Few stations were relocated after a year of operation following inconclusive results regarding the relationship between radon and seismic activity. To the 5 stations that are in the Vrancea area (Bisoca, Nehoiu, Plostina, Sahastru and Lopatari) we added others positioned in areas with surface seismicity (Panciu, Râmnicu Vâlcea, Surlari and Mangalia). The last two are on the Intramoesica fault, which will be monitored in the future along with the Fagaras - Câmpulung fault. Radon together with CO₂ - CO is monitored at Râmnicu Vâlcea within the SPEIGN project near a 40 m deep borehole in which the acceleration in three directions, temperature and humidity are recorded. The same project funded the monitoring of radon, CO₂ and CO in Mangalia, which is close to the Shabla seismic zone. The last significant earthquake in the Panciu area with ML = 5.7 R occurred on 22.11.2014. The area is seismically active, which justified the installation of a radon detector next to a radio receiver in the ULF band within the AFROS project. Within the same project, radon monitoring is performed at Surlari, following the activity of the Intramoesica fault. In this location we also measure CO₂, CO, air temperature and humidity. The first results show a normal radon activity in Panciu. The measurements in Surlari have higher values than those in Panciu, possibly due to the forest where the sensors are located. A special case is Mangalia where the data indicate more local pollution than the effects of tectonic activity. Radon CO₂ and CO values vary widely beyond normal limits. The source of these anomalies may be the local drinking water treatment plant or the nearby shipyard. We also recorded abnormal infrasound values that are monitored in the same location. Determining the source of these anomalies requires at least one more monitoring point.

The purpose of expanding radon monitoring is to analyze the possibility of implementing a seismic event forecast. This can be done in a multidisciplinary approach. For this reason, in addition to radon, determinations of CO₂, CO, air ionization, magnetic field, inclinations, telluric currents, solar radiation, VLF - ULF radio waves, temperature in borehole, infrasound and acoustics are made.

This research helps organizations specializing in emergencies not only with short-term earthquake forecasts but also with information on pollution and the effects of climate change that are becoming increasingly evident lately. The methods and solutions are general and can be applied anywhere by customizing them according to the specifics of the monitored area.

The main conclusion is that only a multidisciplinary approach allows the correlation of events and ensures a reliable forecast.