Pre-seismic Electromagnetic Perturbations in Two Earthquakes in Northern Greece

Abstract

Two medium-magnitude earthquakes separated by a distance of 230 km occurred within 34 days from each other in Northern Greece. A few hours before the manifestation of seismic activity, significant extra-low-frequency (ELF) perturbations were detected in a nearby Schumann resonance observation site. The typical spectrum of ELF measurements was deformed with the appearance of an enhanced spectral feature in the frequency range 20–25 Hz. A logit regression model was applied to the data to examine whether ELF perturbations could be considered as precursors of seismic activity. In general, two earthquakes so close to each other (in space, time, and magnitude) form a unique opportunity for the study of characteristic features of pre-seismic ultra-low-frequency (ULF)/ELF perturbations. Quantitative results from a simple nonlinear statistical model support the idea that there is some kind of physical interaction between seismic and atmospheric ELF activities, and that ELF measurements could potentially be used as a useful tool in the forecasting of seismic activity.