Correlation Analysis of Radon Gas Concentration Anomaly with Seismic Activity around Manado, Indonesia
Thomas Oka Pratama(a), Agus Budhie Wijatna(a*), Sunarno(a), Faridah(a), Hermin Kartika Sari(b), Avisena Kemal El-Syifa(a), Rony Wijaya(c), Memory Motivanisman Waruwu(c)

a)Department of Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Jl. Grafika No.2, Senolowo, Sinduadi, Kec. Mlati, Kabupaten Sleman, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia
*budiwijatna[at]ugm.ac.id
b)Chemical Engineering, Politeknik Negeri Bandung
Jl. Gegerkalong Hilir, Ciwaruga, Kec. Parongpong, Kabupaten Bandung Barat, Jawa Barat 40012, Indonesia
c) Sensor and Tele-control Laboratory, Department of Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Jl. Grafika No.2, Senolowo, Sinduadi, Mlati, Sleman, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia

Abstract

Indonesia is located at the confluence of three major tectonic plates: the Pacific, Eurasian, and Indo-Australian. Manado, located between the Eurasian Plate, Pacific Plate, and Philippine Plate, experiences high seismic activity due to the interaction of these plates. Anomalies in radon gas concentrations prior to earthquakes have been identified in many areas as potential indicators of seismic activity. These anomalies result from cracks in the Earth^s crust prior to an earthquake, which increase pressure and trigger diffusion of fluids, including radon gas. However, no studies have documented radon gas concentration anomalies before earthquakes around Manado, Indonesia. This study analyzes the correlation between radon gas concentration and regional earthquake occurrence. Radon gas concentration measurements were taken continuously using an Internet of Things (IoT)-based system near the active Manado fault, with data stored on a server for further analysis. Radon gas concentration data is then compared with earthquake events with a magnitude of more than 4.5. The study showed significant anomalies in radon gas concentrations 1-7 days before the earthquake with 96% precision, 90% sensitivity, and 93% F-1 Score.. These findings provide an initial basis for developing an earthquake early warning system around Manado, which is expected to be used as a mitigation measure to save from natural disasters.

Keywords: Earthquake, radon, anomaly, seismic, early warning

Topic: Soil sciences