Aerosols and seismo-ionosphere coupling: A review

• Published in: Journal of atmospheric and solar-terrestrial physics 2018-06, Vol.171, p.83-93
• Main Authors: Namgaladze, Aleksandr, Karpov, Mikhail, Knyazeva, Maria
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aerosols; Earthquakes; Electric current; Electromagnetic plasma drift; Total electron content
• ISSN: 1364-6826; 1879-1824
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jastp.2018.01.014

The role of atmosphere aerosols in the global electric circuit, particularly during earthquakes preparation periods, is discussed in this review paper. Aerosols participate in production and transport of electric charges as well as in clouds formation. Satellite imagery shows increased aerosol optical depth over the tectonic faults and formation of the anomalous clouds aligned with the faults shortly before the earthquake shocks. At the same time variations of the ionospheric electric field and total electron content (TEC) are observed. We assume that the vertical electric current is generated over the fault due to the separation and vertical transport of charges with different masses and polarities. This charges the ionosphere positively relative to the Earth in the same way as the thunderstorm currents do. The resulting electric field in the ionosphere drives F2-layer plasma via the electromagnetic [E→×B→] drift and decreases or increases electron density depending on the configuration of the electric field, thus, creating observed negative or positive TEC disturbances. The important role of the electric dynamo effect in these processes is underlined. •The electric current is generated over the tectonic faults due to the separation and transport of different charges.•Resulting electric field drives plasma via the electromagnetic drift and creates the total electron content disturbances.