Measurements of soil radon in South Russia for seismological application: Some results

Results of soil radon concentration measurements at the surface in Northern Caucasus (Krasnodar territory) in different geological features are shown. Measurements were made in mud volcanoes, faults, mineral deposits and landslips. The data were compared to seismicity. Before earthquakes, the changes in the concentration of radon appear as “humps” or “splashes” of various durations. Monthly, daily and hourly changes of the concentration of soil radon during the earthquakes are shown for each zone of researches. The simultaneous measurement of radon in the big area has shown the movement of the increased concentration of radon to the epicenter several days prior to the earthquake.

► Changes of Rn are shown for mud volcanoes, faults, landslips. ► Before earthquakes in Caucasus the soil Rn changes appear as “splashes”. ► The simultaneous measurement of Rn in the big area has been made. ► The movement of the increased concentration to the earthquake epicenter was observed.