Frontiers | Analysis of Anisotropy Anomalies Identification in Apparent Resistivity Observation

Since 1966, China has been using apparent resistivity observation to forecast strong aftershocks of the Xingtai earthquake. Retrospective studies of subsequent strong earthquakes have shown that anomalies in apparent resistivity observation before earthquakes usually exhibit anisotropic characteristics. In addition to the anisotropic changes in apparent resistivity before earthquakes, factors such as subway operation near the observation area, metal pipeline networks, and changes in water levels have also been found to cause anisotropic changes. These factors are called environmental interference factors. Therefore, distinguishing between anisotropic changes before earthquakes and anisotropic changes caused by interference and eliminating the effects of interference is crucial for using apparent resistivity observations for forecasting. Taking the observation of Hefei seismic station in Anhui Province as an example, a model is constructed using the finite element method to try to establish a method for analyzing anisotropy in apparent resistivity before earthquakes, and the data from other provincial stations are used for verification. In the modeling process, the influence coefficient is a measure of the relationship between the variation in apparent resistivity and the changes in the medium of the measurement area. The following results are obtained by calculating the influence coefficient using the finite element method: the influence coefficient between the power supply electrode and the measuring electrode of the apparent resistivity observation is negative, and the rest are positive, and the distribution of the influence coefficient shows obvious symmetry, with the axis of symmetry being the line connecting the electrodes and its midline, and the absolute value of the influence coefficient is inversely proportional to the distance from the electrodes. In addition, according to the constructed finite element model, the amplitude of anisotropic changes caused by interference can be quantitatively calculated. Given that interference is ubiquitous in various regions of the world, this study can provide a reference for international earthquake forecasters to quantitatively remove environmental interference in anisotropy. Moreover, when building apparent resistivity stations in seismic areas for earthquake prediction, it is best to avoid areas with larger local influence coefficients to ensure that the anomalous data before the earthquake is true and reliable.