Correlation of radon anomalies with seismic events along Mat fault in Serchhip District, Mizoram, India

• This paper reports continuous radon monitoring in hilly regions of Mizoram.
• The study area falls under seismic zone V.
• Occurrence of high intensity earthquake in this region may be disastrous.
• An attempt has been made to correlate radon anomalies with seismic events.
• Long term data recording is needed to develop better radon-earthquake correlation.

Radon emanation from the soil gas was studied using a deep red coloured cellulose nitrate LR-115 type II film. The study was carried out from March 2012 to February 2013 at Mat Bridge (23°18΄ N, 92°48΄ E) along Mat Fault in Serchhip district, Mizoram (India). Changes in radon concentrations have been observed. Effects of meteorological parameters on radon emission were also studied. The measured radon data shows a moderate positive correlation with relative humidity but no specific relation with air temperature and rainfall. Data obtained have been correlated to the earthquakes that occurred around the measuring sites.