Implementation of differential repeat-pass SAR interferometry for (i) the search for earthquake precursory land-cover deformation in Taiwan in co-ordination with the integrated Search for Taiwanese Earthquake Precursors iSTEP' Taiwanese program for promoting research excellence; and (ii) the assessm

Abstract

Worldwide, medium-to short-term earthquake prediction is becoming ever more essential for safeguarding man due to an un-abating population increase, but hitherto, there have been no verifiable methods of reliable earthquake prediction developed -except for a few isolated examples of such in China and in Greece. This dilemma is a result of previous and still current approaches to earthquake prediction which are squarely based on the seismic measurement of crustal movements, observable only after a tectonic stress-change discharge (earthquake) has occurred. The prediction models derived from past histories of measurements were mainly carried out during the past 40-50 years, although initiated soon after the San Francisco earthquake of 1906. During the past decade it was proved and shown that it is not possible to derive reliable models for earthquake predictions from crustal movement measurements alone - as valuable and as indispensable those indeed are - and that an entirely new approach must be taken and rigorously pursued over many years and decades to come, and most likely throughout this twenty-first century. Of considerable importance will be the full integration of multi-band (P-K Band) repeat-pass differential interferometric Polarimetric Synthetic Aperture Radar (POL-SAR) space borne and high-altitude platform monitoring operations which will be considered here in conjunction with "seismo-electromagnetic " ground measurements. It will be shown that Taiwan is ideally suited for studying earthquake related electromagnetic precursor studies in that the island is separated from other continental regions, and there exist the resources, the dedication and will power for advancing our knowledge most rapidly. Both land-based and sub-oceanic measurement networks already exist, which need to be upgraded and perfected. With the aid of experienced and knowledgeable experts, this will be done soon.