Observation of Atmospheric Electricity Parameters at Boso Peninsula, Japan

Abstract

The total electron content (TEC) and the thermal infra-red (TIR) anomalies preceding large earthquakes have been reported and they considered the most promising precursory phenomena. To explain these phenomena, Lithosphere-Atmosphere-Ionosphere Coupling (LAIC) model should be established and several models have been proposed. Among of them, there is a geo-chemical channel. To examine the possibility of chemical channel of LAIC through the practical monitoring of atmospheric electricity parameters, we have installed sensors of the atmospheric electric field (AEF), atmospheric ion concentration (AIC), atmospheric radon concentration (ARC), radon exhalation quantity (REQ), and weather elements. In this paper, we investigate the properties of variation in atmospheric electricity parameters (precipitation disturbance (AIC, AEF), seasonal diurnal variation (AIC, AEF, REQ), correlation with atmospheric pressure (REQ), and correlation between atmospheric electricity parameters) observed at Asahi station (ASA) and Kiyosumi station (KYS), Japan to understand the characteristics of their variations. The results suggest that radon emanation from the ground could modify the variations of AIC and AEF. However, site effects based on environmental factors such as geological setting, geography, vegetation, and so on should be taken in account properly.