2008-04-02   

GENRIKH S. VARTANYAN  

The paper presents basic information on the concept of Earth’s Endo-Drainage System (EDS). Mechanisms that govern interconnection between the EDS evolution and seismic processes are discussed.

The EDS is one of the most important Planet’s mega-structures that provide discharge of deep-set fluidal products to the upper-part of the Earth and the Outer Space [Vartanyan, 1977, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2006]. 

From the geological point of view the EDS is a globally spread linear structure separating large plates of lithosphere and functioning as a highly efficient regulator of the mass and energy exchange between deep-set and upper-part sections of the Earth. Ever growing mountain-folded structures manifest the EDS on the Earth’s surface. The tempo of mountain chain’s rising up varies in space and time causing consequent changes of stress-strain field alongside of the whole EDS.

Seismic belts of the Globe coincide geographically with the EDS and in fact represent a direct “mould” of a given mega-structure’s stress-strain field.

Application of the new Hydro-Geo-Deformation (HGD) Monitoring methodology [Vartanyan, 1979, 1985, 1988, 2000, 2003] to a study of stress-strain field of vast area prior to strong earthquakes (Spitak, 1988, Loma Prieta, 1989, Rudbar, 1990, Racha-Djava, 1991) allowed revealing short-term prognostic precursors of approaching seismic events.

The first edition published in: “Otechestvennaya Geologia”, 2006, #1, p.p. 41-52.

G.S. Vartanyan