Precursor anomalies prior to the 2006 Java and 2016 Yujing earthquakes

Abstract

This study presents analysis of surface latent heat flux (SLHF), disturbance storm time (Dst) index and auroral electrojet index (AE) variations prior to the Mw 6.3 Java (Indonesia) and Mw 6.4 Yujing (Taiwan) earthquakes. SLHF results were obtained using satellite remote sensing techniques and reanalysis datasets. Multi-year background data was utilized to compute anomalies. The results exhibit spatial and temporal anomalous variations of SLHF before the main event. SLHF anomalies usually occurred 1-3 weeks prior to the earthquake. These variations were caused due to temperature increase and the release of gases before the earthquake. The release of energy was concentrated along the epicenter and regional fault lines. Dst and AE indices analysis show the presence of geomagnetic storm prior to the occurrence of earthquakes and the synchronization of geomagnetic surges and seismicity. The study will help to identify precursor anomalies in regions prone to earthquakes.