On the acoustic model of lithosphere-atmosphere-ionosphere coupling before earthquakes

Abstract

In this work, the many-fluid magnetohydrodynamic theory is applied to describe the modification of the electromagnetic field of the ionospheric E-layer by acoustic-type waves. There, altitudinal profiles of the electromagnetic field and the plasma parameters of the atmosphere and ionosphere are taken into account. It is concluded that at E-region altitudes above seismo-active regions, magnetohydrodynamic waves as Alfvén and magnetoacoustic ones might change their amplitude and direction of propagation. Waves of the Farley-Buneman type might also be excited a few days before very strong earthquakes. The collisions between the neutral and charged particles of the E-layer also cause diffusion and heating processes. Thus, changes of the characteristic foE-frequency might be obtained. © 2011 Author(s).