Cover Image Credit: Zhaofei Liu and Ying Li From the Institute of Earthquake Forecasting, China

Pre-Earthquake signals are advanced warnings of a larger seismic event. A better understanding of these processes can help to predict the characteristics of the subsequent mainshock. Pre-Earthquake Processes: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Earthquake Prediction Studies presents the latest research on earthquake forecasting and prediction based on observations and physical modeling in China, Greece, Italy, France, Japan, Russia, Taiwan, and the United States. Volume highlights include: Describes the earthquake processes and the observed physical signals that precede them Explores the relationship between pre-earthquake activity and the characteristics of subsequent seismic events Encompasses physical, atmospheric, geochemical, and historical characteristics of pre-earthquakes Illustrates thermal infrared, seismo–ionospheric, and other satellite and ground-based pre-earthquake anomalies Applies these multidisciplinary data to earthquake forecasting and prediction Written for seismologists, geophysicists, geochemists, physical scientists, students and others, Pre-Earthquake Processes: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Earthquake Prediction Studies offers an essential resource for understanding the dynamics of pre-earthquake phenomena from an international and multidisciplinary perspective.

The study of earthquakes plays a key role in order to minimize human and material losses when they inevitably occur. Chapters in this book will be devoted to various aspects of earthquake research and analysis. The different sections present in the book span from statistical seismology studies, the latest techniques and advances on earthquake precursors and forecasting, as well as, new methods for early detection, data acquisition and interpretation. The topics are tackled from theoretical advances to practical applications.

As evidenced dramatically and tragically in 2011 alone,earthquakes cause devastation and their consequences in terms of human suffering and economic disaster can last for years or even decades. The VAN method of earthquake prediction, based on the detection and measurement of low frequency electric signals called Seismic Electric Signals (SES), has been researched and evaluated over 30 years, and now constitutes the only earthquake prediction effort that has led to concrete successful results. This book recounts the history of the VAN method, detailing how it has developed and been tested under international scrutiny. Earthquake Prediction by Seismic Electric Signals • describes, step by step, the development of the VAN method since 1981; • explains both the theoretical model underpinning the research and the physical properties of SES; • analyzes the SES recordings and the prediction for each major earthquake in Greece over the last 25 years; • introduces a new time domain, natural time, which plays a key role in predicting impending catastrophic events.

The latest achievements of earthquake prediction via radio communication systems, by the world's leading authority Prof. Hayakawa is one of the world leaders in the field of seismo-electromagnetics for EQ prediction and this area of research is still evolving Presents the fundamentals of radio communications and radio propagation, using the radio noises and propagation anomalies as a precursor of earthquakes Considers the combination of different kinds of seismogenic electromagnetic signals of both natural and artificial character Timely topic following the recent sequence of highly destructive earthquakes around the world

The special natural conditions in Iceland as well as high level technology, were the basis for multidisciplinary and multinational cooperation for studying crustal processes, especially processes ahead of large earthquakes. This work leads to new innovative results and real time warnings which are described in the book. The results obtained in Iceland are of significance for earthquake prediction research worldwide.

One of the keystones of science is the ability to precisely and consistently forecast natural phenomena. Unfortunately, earthquake prediction research has been plagued by controversy, and it remains an outstanding problem; for a review of some of the historical challenges. Today's scientists understand earthquakes a lot better than we did even 50 years ago, but they still can't match the quake-predicting expertise of the common toad, which can detect seismic activity days in advance of a quake. As a result, most earthquake predictions are vague at best. Scientists have had more success predicting aftershocks, additional quakes following an early earthquake. These predictions are based on extensive research of aftershock patterns. Earthquake forecasting and prediction is an active topic of geological research. Geoscientists are able to identify particular areas of risk and, if there is sufficient information, to make probabilistic forecasts about the likelihood of earthquakes happening in a specified area over a specified period.This volume is packed with state-of -art information covering various methods and techniques for evaluating earthquake predictions and earthquake forecasts. This book brings a combination of basic earthquake science techniques that will make the book understandable to the non-specialist, a good assortment of data and research conclusions, and a bare-knuckles appraisal of current philosophy and strategy for prediction of earthquakes. The book includes field, laboratory, and theoretical investigations of earthquake mechanisms and fault zones. Progress in long- and intermediate-term earthquake prediction is reviewed emphasizing results from various sites.