Remote sensing rock mechanics (RSRM) and associated experimental studies

The development of remote sensing rock mechanics (RSRM) was stimulated by meteorological satellite observations using infrared (IR) thermal images during earthquakes. The experimental methods, instruments, and some typical results concerning the relations between the IR radiation and rock stress are introduced. This paper explains that: (1) the IR radiation energy including IR radiation temperature and IR spectral radiation intensity increases with loading; (2) the IR radiation temperature increases with depth inside the rock specimen surface; (3) the IR radiation temperature increases with rock strength and; (4) the IR thermal image can anticipate the stress transfer process and rock fracturing location. Thus, the study and application of RSRM includes detection of material behaviour resulting from heterogeneity and/or stress application as well as mechanical failure and collapse as a time–space forecast. The experiment results have been supported by successful earthquake forecasts. The key issues and future research directions for RSRM are suggested.