Ionospheric perturbations related to the earthquake in Vrancea area on November 22, 2014, as detected by electromagnetic VLF/LF frequency signals

Abstract

Data from the European network of very low/ low frequency (VLF/LF) receivers has been used to study the response of the lower ionosphere to the earthquake of magnitude 5.5 in Vrancea area on November 22, 2014. Negative amplitude anomalies have been observed during 3 days before the earthquake and two days after, on the LF (45.9 kHz) signal passed above the seismic area. No perturbations have been found for the same signal in control paths during this period. Other possible influences both from above and below which can produce perturbations in the ionosphere have been taken into consideration.

Keywords

• Seismic risk
• Low frequency wave propagation
• Earthquake precursors