Global navigation satellite system detection of preseismic ionospheric total electron content anomalies for strong magnitude (Mw>6) Himalayan earthquakes

Gopal Sharma; Prashant Kumar Champati Ray; Sarada Prasad Mohanty; Param Kirti Rao Gautam; Suresh Kannaujiya

doi:10.1117/1.JRS.11.046018

8 December 2017 Global navigation satellite system detection of preseismic ionospheric total electron content anomalies for strong magnitude (Mw<6) Himalayan earthquakes

Gopal Sharma, Prashant Kumar Champati Ray, Sarada Prasad Mohanty, Param Kirti Rao Gautam, Suresh Kannaujiya

Author Affiliations +

Journal of Applied Remote Sensing, Vol. 11, Issue 4, 046018 (December 2017). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.JRS.11.046018

Abstract

Electron content in the ionosphere is very sensitive to temporary disturbances of the Earth’s magnetosphere (geomagnetic storm), solar flares, and seismic activities. The Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-based total electron content (TEC) measurement has emerged as an important technique for computations of earthquake precursor signals. We examined the pre-earthquake signatures for eight strong magnitude ( Mw>6: 6.1 to 7.8) earthquakes with the aid of GNSS-based TEC measurement in the tectonically active Himalayan region using International GNSS Service (IGS) stations as well as local GNSS-based continuously operating reference stations (CORS). The results indicate very significant ionospheric anomalies in the vertical total electron content (vTEC) a few days before the main shock for all of the events. Geomagnetic activities were also studied during the TEC observation window to ascertain their role in ionospheric perturbations. It was also inferred that TEC variation due to low magnitude events could also be monitored if the epicenter lies closer to the GNSS or IGS station. Therefore, the study has confirmed TEC anomalies before major Himalayan earthquakes, thereby making it imperative to set up a much denser network of IGS/CORS for real-time data analysis and forewarning.

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Gopal Sharma, Prashant Kumar Champati Ray, Sarada Prasad Mohanty, Param Kirti Rao Gautam, and Suresh Kannaujiya "Global navigation satellite system detection of preseismic ionospheric total electron content anomalies for strong magnitude (Mw<6) Himalayan earthquakes," Journal of Applied Remote Sensing 11(4), 046018 (8 December 2017). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.JRS.11.046018

Received: 8 March 2017; Accepted: 2 November 2017; Published: 8 December 2017

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