Integrated Analysis of Lithosphere-Atmosphere-Ionospheric Coupling Associated with the 2021 M<i>_w</i> 7.2 Haiti Earthquake

Abstract

The search for Earthquake (EQ) precursors in the ionosphere and atmosphere from satellite data has provided significant information about the upcoming main shock. This study presents the abnormal atmospheric and ionospheric perturbations associated with the Mw 7.2 Haiti EQ on 14 August 2021 at geographical coordinates (18° N, 73° W) and shallow hypocentral depth of 10 km from the data of permanent Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) stations near the epicenter, followed by Swarm satellites data. The total vertical electron (VTEC) anomalies occur within a 5-day window before the main shock in the analysis of nearby operation stations, followed by Swarm (A and C satellites) ionospheric anomalies in the same 5-day window before the main shock. Moreover, the geomagnetic activities are completely quiet within 10 days before and 10 days after the main shock. Similarly, the atmospheric parameters endorse the EQ anomalies within 5 days before the main shock day. The evolution of gases from the lithosphere at the epicentral region possessed significant atmospheric and ionospheric perturbations within the EQ preparation period of 5-day before the main shock under the hypothesis of Lithosphere-Atmosphere-Ionosphere Coupling (LAIC).

Keywords

• Haiti earthquake
• ionosphere
• geomagnetic storm
• GNSS TEC