Piezonuclear neutron emissions from earthquakes and volcanic eruptions

Abstract

Recent neutron emission detections have led to consider also the Earth’s crust, in addition to cosmic rays, as a relevant source of neutron flux variations. Neutron emissions measured in seismic areas of the Pamir region (4200 m a.s.l.) exceeded the usual neutron background level up to three orders of magnitude in correspondence to seismic activity and rather appreciable earthquakes of a magnitude of approximately the 4th degree in the Richter scale. The authors present an additional analysis with respect to those carried out by other research groups. Their studies start from recent data acquired at the “Testa Grigia” Laboratory of Plateau Rosa, Cervinia, during an experimental campaign on the evaluation of neutron radiation from cosmic rays. Even more recent data refer to dedicated experimental trials carried out in Northern Italy, at the seismic district of “Val Trebbia”, Bettola, Piacenza. Moreover, the authors present the results they are obtaining at a gypsum mine located in Murisengo (Alessandria), Italy. The observations reveal a strong correlation between AE/EME/NE events and the major earthquakes in the surrounding area. The assessment of the neutron radiation at an environmental level could help to make a clear distinction between the component from the Cosmic Rays and the component from the Earth’s crust.