Greek researchers say the sudden drop in noise levels caused by humans has better allowed them to hear the inner roar in the ground.
Noise has receded due to public isolation measures across Greece, which are greatly shaken by earthquakes, most of which result in no serious damage.
The significant drop in the noise level, since Greece imposed isolation last year, does not in itself affect seismic activity.
But as the Earth’s movement continues, very small tremors can now be recorded, said Ephthemius Sokos, associate professor at Patras University who runs the research with seismologist Demetris Yanopoulos and researcher at the National Observatory of Athens, Christos Evangelides.
The situation is calm, Soo Koss told Reuters, adding that the decrease in human-induced noise has become noticeable worldwide after many countries imposed general isolation measures in an attempt to contain the emerging coronavirus.
He explained: Until now, very small earthquakes have disappeared behind the noise generated by humans, but it is now possible to track these seismic movements with more accuracy.
Sokos likened seismologists to astronomers who could not see stars from cities because of light pollution. He added: The situation for us now is as if the lights went out.
For his part, Evangelides said that researchers in Belgium are the pioneers of this type of research, adding that Greece has so far collected data from stations in Athens and the northern city of Thessaloniki. Other cities are gradually being placed in the study, which is expected to end with the end of general isolation.
He continued: We are trying to clarify: Is it possible to reveal the small seismic movements that were previously hidden behind the noise generated by man?
The Greeks have so far been very disciplined in complying with the restrictions of general isolation ordered by the authorities. As of late Thursday, Greece had registered 1955 injuries and 86 deaths.
The noise generated by humans in Greek cities is usually reduced to a few levels in mid-August, which is the summer peak season when the Greeks arrived on the beaches.
Evangelidis added that it has also become possible for researchers, by monitoring noise levels, to see if there are areas that do not strictly adhere to general isolation procedures. He concluded by saying that the noise level is now equivalent to mid-August, or maybe a little lower.
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