Electromagnetic coupling between the ionosphere and lithosphere preceding major seismic activity

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to develop an understanding of the correlation between ionospheric anomalies and earthquake activity and to identify the associations between the changes in total electron content of the ionospheric atmosphere and earthquake magnitudes. The data were collected in real time using GPS stations and magnetometers and the analyses were carried out using statistical methods such as Pearson correlation coefficients and regression analysis. Data from 30 seismic events were analyzed and 12 events with earthquake magnitudes greater than or equal to 6. 0 showed a mean average TEC anomaly of 2. 75 TEC units, whereas the average anomaly for lower-magnitude events was 0. 93 TEC units. The resulting Pearson correlation coefficient was 0. 68, implying that there is moderate positive correlation between TEC anomalies and earthquake magnitudes. The results show that ionosphere disturbances may act as precursors of larger earthquake events and indicate that the study of the interaction between the atmosphere and the geology of the ionospheric atmosphere should consider both atmospheric and natural factors influencing ionosphere behavior.