If you want to predict an earthquake, watch for the toads to leave
For years, there has been anecdotal evidence in some areas that toads hit the bricks when there’s an earthquake looming, but now there seems to be scientific data to back that up.
The study began after an entire colony of 96 toads abandoned a pond in Italy in 2009, preceding an earthquake in the area by several days. That lead a team lead by staff from NASA and the British Open University to explore the idea that the toads had some sort of insight.
Their theory is that when tectonic plates begin to undergo stress in the run-up to a quake, they activate oxygen-based electrons known as “positive holes”. These are able to make their way out of the affected rocks, through secure rocks and to the surface. This causes air ionization, as well as turning water to hydrogen peroxide, which is potentially toxic.
While humans might struggle to notice the effect, it seems likely that animals which inhabit this groundwater are naturally much more sensitive to chemical imbalances, and thus would leave the area when the change starts occuring.
The researchers have been testing the chemical effects of putting rock under stress and believe their theory is credible but needs more rigorous and wide-ranging testing. They’ve also noted the air ionization may increase seratonin levels in animals, another cue to leave the scene.
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