Evidence of underground electric current generation during the 2009 L'Aquila earthquake: Real or instrumental?. Issue 12 (20th June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Masci, F.; Thomas, J. N.
• Is Part Of: Geophysical research letters. Volume 43:Issue 12(2016)
• Page Start: 6153
• Page End: 6161
• Publication Date: 2016-06-20
• Subjects: seismoelectric effects -- geomagnetic field -- earthquake; Geophysics -- Periodicals; Planets -- Periodicals; Lunar geology -- Periodicals; 550
• DOI: 10.1002/2016GL069759
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0094-8276

Abstract

Abstract: We investigate magnetic effects in correspondence of the Mw 6.1 L'Aquila earthquake. Magnetic and seismic records are analyzed. Rapid and distinct changes and an offset can be seen in magnetic field components after the main shock. We show that these effects result from electromagnetic induction due to the movement of the sensors through the Earth's magnetic field and from a permanent displacement of the sensors from their original position caused by the passing seismic waves. A transient signal in total field data from an overhauser magnetometer apparently occurs in correspondence with the earthquake. Our analysis shows that the transient was not observed by other sensors that were operating in close proximity to the overhauser. Thus, the transient signal in the total magnetic field data, and the offset in the magnetic field components, cannot be associated with a hypothetical underground electric current generated by the earthquake, as suggested by Nenovski (2015). Key Points: We investigate effects in magnetic field data in correspondence of the 2009 L'Aquila earthquake We show that these effects are caused by the movement and permanent displacement of the sensors caused by the passing seismic wave We rule out that these effects are induced by an electric current as a result of the earthquake