Satellite detection of IR precursors using bi-angular advanced along-track scanning radiometer data: a case study of Yushu earthquake

The paper has developed and proposed a synthesis analysis method based on the robust satellite data analysis technique (RST) to detect seismic anomalies within the bi-angular advanced along-track scanning radiometer (AATSR) gridded brightness temperature (BT) data based on spatial/temporal continuity analysis. The proposed methods have been applied to analyze the Yushu (Qinghai, China) earthquake occurred on 14th April 2010, and a full AATSR data-set of 8 years data from March 2003 to May 2010 with longitude from 91°E to 101°E and latitude from 28°N to 38°N has been analyzed. Combining with the tectonic explanation of spatial and temporal continuity of the abnormal phenomena, the analyzed results indicate that the infrared radiation anomalies detected by the AATSR BT data with nadir view appear and enhance gradually along with the development and occurring of the earthquake, especially along the Ganzi-Yushu fault, Nu River fault and Jiali-Chayu fault; more infrared anomalies along the earthquake fault zone (Lancangjiang fault and Ning Karma Monastery-Deqin fault) are detected using the proposed synthesis analysis method, which can also characterize the activity of seismic faults more precisely.