Plankton blooms linked to quakes (BBC) {earthquake prediction ??}

[eppur_se_muova]

***
The researchers used as case studies four recent earthquakes in Gujarat, India (2001), Algeria (2002), the Andaman Islands (2002) and Bam, Iran (2003).

Using satellite images and measurements of sea temperatures, they found a correlation between peaks in chlorophyll and proximity to an impending earthquake.

The amount of "advance notice" depended on the ocean depth and proximity to the epicentre of the quake, with the second factor taking precedence.

In the event of heavy cloud cover preventing satellites from monitoring chlorophyll production, sea temperatures could serve as a parallel means of information on impending earthquakes, argue the researchers.
***
more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4750557.stm

OMG -- who would even think to look for something like this? This is pretty amazing, if it pans out. This is what BASIC RESEARCH is for, people!

[cliss]

1. That is interesting.

I've not heard anything about this before. You're right: this is what they should be doing with research - coming up with solutions.

[peacetalksforall]

2. If it isn't in the Bible, it isn't science. n/t

[eppur_se_muova]

3. Signs and portents are covered, aren't they? nt

[Posteritatis]

4. Really now,

does this silliness have to pop up every time someone mentions something scientific in the science forum? I mean, what's the point?