By using an alternative processing method for satellite infrared remote sensing data and adopting the China Geostationary Meteorological Satellite(FY-2C) infrared remote sensing brightness temperature data,we studied the great 2008 Wenchuan Ms8.0 earthquake.Results indicate the obvious characteristic period and amplitude,and distribution of thermal infrared anomalies before the Wenchuan earthquake.And we discussed the mechanism of the observed pre-earthquake thermal anomalies.The characteristics of observed thermal infrared anomalies are easy to be recognized and applied,and could provide a criterion for thermal anomalies of earthquakes.
ZHANG YuanShengGUO XiaoZHONG MeiJiaoSHEN WenRongLI WenHE Bin
Through analysis of natural and social attributes of earthquake forecasting,the relationship between the natural and social attributes of earthquake forecasting(early warning)has been discussed.Regarding the natural attributes of earthquake forecasting,it only attempts to forecast the magnitude,location and occurrence time of future earthquake based on the analysis of observational data and relevant theories and taking into consideration the present understanding of seismogeny and earthquake generation.It need not consider the consequences an earthquake forecast involves,and its purpose is to check out the level of scientific understanding of earthquakes.In respect of the social aspect of earthquake forecasting,people also focus on the consequence that the forecasting involves,in addition to its natural aspect,such as the uncertainty of earthquake prediction itself,the impact of earthquake prediction,and the earthquake resistant capability of structures(buildings),lifeline works,etc.In a word,it highlights the risk of earthquake forecasting and tries to mitigate the earthquake hazard as much as possible.In this paper,the authors also discuss the scientific and social challenges faced in earthquake prediction and analyze preliminarily the meanings and content of earthquake early warning.
