Seismic surveillance of Vrancea active region in Romania by time series satellite data anomalies

The Vrancea zone in Romania located at the bending of the South-Eastern Carpathians is one of the high-risk seismic zones in Europe, characterized by high occurrence of intermediate-depth earthquakes, confined in a 60–200 km depth lithospheric volume. For continuously surveillance of Vrancea seismic active area in Romania, this study developed and implemented an advanced integrated methodology of multi-field time series satellite- and ground-based observational data of seismic precursors and lithosphere-atmosphere coupling modelling, for new seismic increased activity indicators design. Based on the seismic records in synergy with atmospheric and land surface pre-seismic anomalies detection from Land Surface Temperature (LST) from the time series MODIS Terra/Aqua and NOAA AVHRR along with Air Temperature (AT), this study found significant correlations with moderate seismic events of moment magnitude Mw ≥ 5 on Richter scale for 2012-2023 period. The findings of this study aim to improve, by cross-validating, the methodologies for seismic hazard assessment in Romania due to Vrancea source and detect preparatory seismic phases and precursors. Early detection and monitoring of induced geophysical anomalies can help the decision makers in mitigating the impact and improve disaster response efforts. By this, will contribute at promoting an EOS for Romania in frame of ESA Copernicus. The investigation of the seismo-associated phenomena from space is a challenge for Earth Observation and earthquake forecasting, having a high impact on the seismicity monitoring for SDGs as well for Natural Hazard Directive in the EU.