Do earthquakes provide any identifiable precursors? Recent research into thermal infrared and gamma radiation conducted by Lee Lou-chuang, acting director of Academia Sinica’s Institute of Earth Sciences and Minister of the National Science Council (NSC), may offer new clues for predicting earthquakes.
The NSC, the Central Weather Bureau and the National Center for Research on Earthquake Engineering have teamed up in establishing the nation’s first Experimental Earthquake Prediction Observatory Park as part of the newly opened Eastern Taiwan Earthquake Research Center (E-TEC) at National Dong Hwa University. E-TEC convener Ma Kuo-fong says that he hopes earthquake prediction capabilities can be achieved as soon as possible in order to better meet disaster prevention needs.
Lee’s research found that prior to an earthquake, the formation of steam occurs, along with the release of radon and an increase in infrared rays, all of which are brought on by pressure from tectonic plates. On March 29 this year, Lee discovered that an unusual increase in infrared rays occurred in the ocean off the coast of Taitung, which was followed by an earthquake on March 31 with a magnitude of 6.2 on the Richter scale. Four earthquake detection stations are currently set up at National Chung Cheng University in Chiayi County, in Pingtung County’s Kenting area, on Yangming Mountain in Taipei and at Hualien’s Dong Hwa University.
Photo: Tang Chia-ling, Liberty Times
照片：自由時報記者湯佳玲
(Liberty Times, Translated by Kyle Jeffcoat)
地震發生是否有跡可循？國科會主委及中研院地科所所長李羅權最新研究熱紅外線與γ輻射偵測，可望為地震預測提供新線索。
國科會、氣象局、國家地震工程研究中心等共同在東華大學建置「台灣東部地震研究中心」，成立我國首座「地震前兆觀測實驗園區」。東部地震研究中心召集人馬國鳳表示，希望儘速達到地震預測目標，提供防災所需。
Photo: Hua Meng-ching, Liberty Times
照片：自由時報記者花孟璟
李羅權研究發現，地震前受到板塊擠壓，帶動水氣形成、氡氣釋出，紅外線會變多。今年三月二十九日發現台東外海熱紅外線量異常增加，三十一日就發生芮氏規模六點二地震。目前已在嘉義中正大學、屏東墾丁、台北陽明山與花蓮東華大學建置四個觀測點。
（自由時報記者湯佳玲）
Photo: Tang Chia-ling, Liberty Times
照片：自由時報記者湯佳玲
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental condition marked by disruptions in brain-signaling that causes people to behave, communicate, interact and learn in atypical ways. Autism diagnoses in the US have increased significantly since 2000, intensifying public concern over what might contribute to its prevalence. Here is what you need to know. HOW IS AUTISM DIAGNOSED? There are no objective tools for diagnosing autism, such as blood tests or brain scans. Instead, diagnoses are made based on observations and interviews. The term “spectrum” reflects the wide range of possible manifestations. Some people with ASD might have good conversation skills, while others might
A: When is the Lantern Festival? B: The festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the first month of the lunar calendar, which fell on Feb. 12 this year. A: Oh no! Did I miss the 2025 Taipei Lantern Festival? B: Yes, you did. But you can still go to the 2025 Taiwan Lantern Festival in Taoyuan, which will run until this Sunday. A: Let’s go admire the exuberant lanterns. A: 元宵節到底是哪一天？ B: 就是農曆1月15日啊，今年則落在國曆2月12日。 A: 喔不，我是不是錯過了2025台北燈節？ B: 是的，但你還可以去桃園的2025台灣燈會，活動將持續至週日。 A: 那我們去欣賞豐富的花燈秀吧！ （By Eddy Chang, Taipei Times／台北時報張聖恩）
Every February, the small town of Ptuj in Slovenia comes alive with the vibrant celebration of its famous carnival. This festival, with its deep historical roots, is a cherished tradition where local residents come together to ward off the winter cold and embrace the arrival of spring. Participants dress up in furry costumes, transforming into kurenti, mythical monsters believed to drive away evil spirits and bring good fortune for the new year. Although the exact origins of the Ptuj carnival remain a mystery, it is firmly rooted in ancient Slavic and Illyrian cultures. The modern form of the carnival
A: What’s the theme of the 2025 Taiwan Lantern Festival’s main lantern? B: The theme is “Paradise,” and the main lantern is a snake-shaped “infinity” symbol that features a lighting show every half an hour. A: Cool, I heard that there are over 300 lanterns. B: There are even giant lanterns in the shape of Pikachu and some other popular Pokemon characters. A: Let’s go now. A: 2025台灣燈會主燈的主題是什麼？ B: 主題是「無限樂園」！主燈的造型則是蛇形的數學「無限號」，主燈每半小時還有一次燈光秀。 A: 酷喔，聽說總共有300多件花燈作品。 B: 甚至還有皮卡丘和其他熱門寶可夢角色的巨型花燈呢。 A: 哇我們現在就出發吧！ （By Eddy Chang, Taipei Times／台北時報張聖恩）
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