Summary

Before high-magnitude earthquakes strike, a process of resonance occurs all around the world. The following research demonstrates how such an event happens and the way it can be measured and recorded so as to be studied. The research is the result of the writer’s efforts to date.

Before a high-magnitude earthquake, some unusual phenomena occur. These include the appearance or disappearance of thermal springs, the sudden change in the level of wells, as well as a sudden change in the temperature of ground water. Furthermore, some animals, including dogs, birds and fish, behave in an unusual way. Thanks to technological advances, we can record some other “weird” phenomena that cannot be perceived in any other way.

I have experienced two large-scale earthquakes that occurred in Volos - Greece, in 1955 and in 1980 (see memories), the first of which was the reason for the city being rebuilt. Based on my qualifications and my educational background, I was motivated to conduct a personal research studying the occurrence of earthquakes. Thus (in this manner) I developed – totally alone – a system that receives and records electric signals. The equipment is installed in my home lab.

Information on the Internet was decisive since it enabled:

• The correlation of signals and earthquakes

• A scientific explanation based on international experiments from space and ground so as to get to know how signals are produced and spread.

• The check for false indications.

It is extremely important for a scientist or a researcher to know what is being measured. We know that in nature a variety of phenomena intrude while measuring takes place. The extensive use of technology also produces electromagnetic interference. In order to record the signals, it is thus extremely important to isolate them from any interference that may be produced by some other sources (geomagnetic storms, for example). In my measuring system, when a signal is recorded, noise is rejected automatically while signals from other sources are instantly checked for being caused by a geomagnetic storm.

The next important steps are:

• Monitoring the measurements in real time.

• Storing the measurements

• Instant recalling the measurements on monitor

• The detailed processing of the stored data.

In normal situations, the electricity measured varies slightly around a fixed rate. This slight variation (up to 0.2 Volts) is not large. On the contrary, before large-scale earthquakes (more than 6.7 Richter degrees) I have noticed great fluctuations (0.9 – 1.2 Volts) but no in-between rates have been recorded.

From a scientific point of view, this suggests the resonance phenomenon. The correlation between signals and large-scale earthquakes suggests a worldwide resonance.

However, how can this be done?

We get an answer if we visit the following Internet address:

http://serpiente.dgsca.unam.mx/serv_hem/revistas/fisica/1997/01/koshevay.html

“Another model was proposed by Schuman 1952, (Figure 2). The nonstationary electrical currents in the lithosphere are connected with the horizontal motion of the ground having a relatively high conductivity. According to Maxwell's equations, it becomes almost instantly apparent in the ionosphere. Suppose that there is a known current determined by geophysicists in a region of the lithosphere. Then there should exist corresponding electromagnetic fields in the ionosphere (Molchanov et al., 1993). If the Earth's surface and the ionosphere constitute an electromagnetic resonator (Schuman's resonator), this current excites electromagnetic oscillations. Thus the maximum of low frequency electromagnetic oscillations found through satellite observations occurs approximately at a frequency f”8Hz, which corresponds to the first characteristic frequency of Schuman's resonator (Schuman, 1952)”

The article suggests that the research on the events before a high-magnitude earthquake reveals a kind of perturbation on the ionosphere just above the epicenter of the imminent earthquake.

Some typical examples of recorded signals are those of 11 August 1999, 9 December 1999 and 13 March 2000: In order to study them, CLICK HERE.

If we compare the signals to the earthquakes, we note the following:

• In a period with no signals recorded, the largest earthquake was of 6.7 magnitude in Richter degrees.

• When signals are recorded, larger than 6.7 R earthquakes occur.

• The number of signals recorded is the same as the number of earthquakes.

And why larger than 6.7 R?

If the Earth's surface and the ionosphere constitute an electromagnetic resonator, as the article by Koshevayal, Perez-Enriquez and Kotsarenko suggests, then:

• Its stimulation needs a minimum energy quantity. This minimum amount of energy produced is fundamental for the resonance. Its production takes place at the final stages of earthquake preparation, as far as earthquakes of magnitude larger than 6.7 R are concerned.

• It is possible to locate the stimulated energy in any point within the resonator, that is, anywhere in the world.

Based on the list of large-scale earthquakes that occurred since August 1999, I developed Correlation Table I. In order to see it, CLICK HERE.

The source of data for Correlation Table I is the National Earthquake Information Center (N.E.I.C.) of the United States. I added the first column on the left; it indicates the appearance of the recorded signals in chronological order. The second column shows the earthquake.

Studying the table, we note that:

• Earthquakes follow the signals.

• The number of signals and the number of earthquakes are equal.

It is also extremely important to note that the signals appearing in Correlation Table I are ALL of the signals recorded in this time period; no signal was deleted or missed.

To date (November 10, 2000) the system has recorded 38 signals since the beginning of the measurements (June 1999). This number is the precise equivalent number to the high-magnitude earthquakes (more than 6.7R) that occurred all around the world!

Quality analysis of the signals recorded is a continuous process requiring time and effort. Having studied Correlation Table I, the first results show that:

• The earthquakes have a common originating mechanism.

• They present very low frequency oscillations.

• The signals last from a few minutes to some hours.

• The signals' time of appearance does not determine the earthquake’s time of occurrence.

• It does not seem possible to locate the earthquake’s epicenter.

The check on the validity of measurements is based on the following points:

• The ratio signal to noise is greater than five; this suggests an efficient resolving power.

• The frequency of all electronic parts ranges from D.C. to 100 kHz, with less than 0.3% distortion.

• The frequent check on the signal reception equipment.

• The frequent check for damages on all the equipment.

• Causing source of strong local radio interference, powered from the same line, at a close distance from the equipment effected the check for any such interference.

• The check on the effect of geomagnetic storms is also a daily routine. No effect has been noted.

• Weather conditions such as thunderstorms do not effect the measurement.

• Power changes or any kind of electromagnetic noise through power lines do not effect the measurement.

Studying all the above, we come to the following results:

• Signals appear as very large electrical changes.

• They can be recorded anywhere in the world before larger than 6.7 R earthquakes occur.

• The number of signals and earthquakes is equal.

• All the signals are of similar amplitude.

• Significant difference in rates also occur during sun eclipses, though not of the same amplitude. This reveals the important role of the ionosphere in the signals’ appearance.

• The signals appear to the effect of a worldwide resonance.

• Ground measurements to date cannot reveal the location of the imminent earthquake.

As far as my research is concerned, it must be noted that the total of the equipment used, that is, the electric and electronic circuits, their safe connection with the computers and the computer program, were all designed and built by myself.

My research is bound to be restricted by of my limited free time, the scientific limits and its high cost. Yet, if my findings are correct, it is worth continuing the research taking into consideration all data possible. However, this cannot be achieved through my personal research only, since it needs larger scientific support and access to other data too. I consider my findings a minor contribution in the worldwide effort to study earthquakes and I hope that this research is a step for further investigation.