Assessment of soil gas radon variations in terms of seismicity in Yalova, Türkiye

Abstract

This study presents preliminary data from the National Project (TUBITAK-123Y145), which investigates the potential of soil gas radon as an earthquake precursor. Continuous in-situ radon measurements were conducted every 10 min using an automated station in Yalova. The methodology involved comparing radon variations with local seismic activity and meteorological data. Radon concentrations fluctuated between 6.720 and 52.480 kBq/m3. Analysis focused on four earthquakes, revealing a potential link between radon anomalies and the shallow Gemlik earthquake. Findings suggest that fault type, depth, and distance from the epicenter may influence radon behavior and its suitability as a geophysical monitoring parameter.