Precursor Variability of Lineament Systems Detected Using Satellite Images during Strong Earthquakes

Abstract

The possibility of using the dynamics of lineament systems as precursors of seismic events has been studied based on the example of strong earthquakes (M ≥ 5) in California (United States), Peru, Iran, Turkey, Transbaikalia, and Kamchatka, as well as in other regions. The pattern and time intervals of changes in lineament systems during earthquake preparation and occurrence are analyzed. It is shown that the features of changes in rose diagrams, ratios of total lengths of local lineaments (strokes) of different directions, orientation of elongation lines of rose diagram of strokes, and other characteristics that were revealed using satellite images can be used as mid- and short-term precursors of seismic events. A methodology for the automated lineament analysis of satellite images is suggested and prospects of its development for monitoring seismically dangerous areas are determined.