Atmospheric anomalies associated with 2011 Mw9.1 Japan Earthquake Using Remote Sensing

Abstract

The monitoring of atmospheric anomalies from ground and space instruments may provide some insights about the precursory nature of future earthquake (EQ). In this paper, multiple atmospheric parameters are analyzed from Remote Sensing Instruments over epicenter of $\mathrm{Mw}=9.1$ (April 11, 2011), Japan within the seismic breeding zone. The long-term temporal data of Nitrogen Dioxide, Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Aerosol Optical Depth is considered for 4 years before and 4 years after the main shock day. These atmospheric measurements from remote sensing sources showed abnormal values within 10–12 days before the EQ. Similarly, the tropospheric parameters like Aerosol Optical Depth, Nitrogen Dioxide(NO2), SO2 are analyzed and they showed prominent precursors subsequently after the main shock of the EQ. Furthermore, Geo-Potential Height, Surface Air Pressure, Relative Humidity and Temperature changes are also analyzed for two week before main shock. All these precursors may validate the lithosphere-atmospheric coupling within the seismogenic zone for the future EQ.