Research on variation of radon and gamma-background as a prediction of earthquakes in the Caucasus

For prediction of earthquakes in the Caucasus, a network of measurement sit es for radon and gamma-background is established. The sites are established in the galleries of Krasnodar and Stavropol regions. The setups of measuri ng gamma-background and Rn in the soil air were built in galleries near set tlement Kholmsky. The detector of Rn in soil operates in the gallery near P yatigorsk. Gamma-setup is being mounted. Moreover, solid state nuclear trac k detectors (SSNTD) are operating in several points, including a mud volcan o. They are exchanged every month. The preliminary data show correspondence s between background radiation levers, and seismic and atmospheric phenomen a. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.