Review of Current Situation and Problem towards Global Earthquake Detection using Satellite-borne Microwave Radiometer

We have investigated a new approach for global earthquake detection based on an experimental fact that microwave signals are generated by rock failures. We already developed an analysis method to detect rock failure microwave signals from the data of a microwave radiometer, the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for the Earth Observing System (AMSR-E) aboard the Aqua satellite, and confirmed that characteristic microwave signals were emitted from the faults and fissures around the epicenter in association with the 2004 Morocco Earthquake. However, at the same time, these results have revealed some problems to be solved before we can move our methodology closer to practical use. In this paper, we review the results obtained in AMSR-E's data analysis phase and summarize the current problems to be solved.