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Radon emanation and electric potential variations associated with transient deformation near reservoir lakes

Nature volume 399, pages 137–141 (1999)Cite this article

Abstract

Two of the most often cited earthquake precursors are radon emanation and electric potential variations1,2,3,4,5,6, but these few reported examples have generally been deemed questionable7,8,9,10,11. If a mechanism relating crustal deformation to radon emanation or electrical signals does indeed exist, it is thought to involve fluids12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19. Some preliminary insight has been gained into these processes from the study of natural systems under controlled mechanical and hydrological conditions20. Here we report electric potential variations, radon emanation and deformation measurements recorded since 1995 in the French Alps in the vicinity of two artificial lakes which have strong seasonal variations in water level of more than 50 metres. We observe that electric potential variations and radon emanations are repeatedly associated with transient deformation events induced by variations in lake levels. These events are characterized by a change in ground tilt which deviates from the expected elastic response, and are associated with periods of accelerating strain, which suggests that accelerated loading can enhance fluid transport properties. Qualitatively, this behaviour can be accounted for by a model in which straining induces fluid overpressure and dynamic flow in cracks. These observations mayshed light on the sensitivity of rock transport properties to deformation.

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Figure 1: Layout of the Sur-Frêtes experiment.
Figure 2: Temporal variations of Roselend lake level (blue), north–south tilt (red), electric potential (purple), and radon activity (green).
Figure 3: Potential difference of dipole RH-EO, radon activity measurements and meteorological parameters as a function of time.
Figure 4: Roselend lake level (blue), north–south tilt (red), radon activity (green) and electric potential V RH–.V EO (purple).

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Acknowledgements

We thank Y. Caristan, A. Meesters and R. Pican for support, and EDF for its water level data and access to the lakes. We also thank the members of the technical team from the Département Analyse et Surveillance de l'Environment, CEA, for their dedication in performing their work in often difficult weather conditions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratoire de Dtection et de Gophysique, DASE, Commissariat l'Energie Atomique, BP 12, F-91680, Bruyres-le-Chtel, France

    M. Trique, F. Perrier & J. P. Avouac

  2. Institut de Protection et de Sret Nuclaire, 60-68, BP 6, F-92265, Fontenay aux Roses, France

    P. Richon & J. C. Sabroux

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  1. M. Trique
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  2. P. Richon
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Correspondence to M. Trique.

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Trique, M., Richon, P., Perrier, F. et al. Radon emanation and electric potential variations associated with transient deformation near reservoir lakes. Nature 399, 137–141 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1038/20161

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