Development of Radon Detectors for Earthquake Prediction

Abstract: The purpose of this project is to simulate the detection of γ-ray spectra emitted by radon isotopes and their daughters. This is done as a contribution to the development of radiation detectors to be used in a research project investigating the possibility of using increased amounts of the radioactive gas radon as an earthquake precursor. Before the onset of an earthquake, microcracks are formed in the surrounding stone structures due to stress, releasing greater than usual amounts of radon gas contained within the rock pores. A way of predicting an upcoming earthquake would then be to place radiation detectors in areas with high seismicity in order to measure possible changes. This could be done in soil, groundwater (via springs, wells, and boreholes), or air. In this project, we aim to understand how measurements in groundwater would differ from ones in air, and how to best make use of the spectra as seen in water. This was done by simulating a scenario in which a scintillator detector, made of cesium iodide, is placed in each media and then assessing the resulting γ-ray spectra.