Electromagnetic signals generated by the electric polarization during the constrained deformation of rocks

Abstract

The results of synchronous observations of the electric field on the shallow crustal layers of the Earth’s crust and the microseismic vibrations are presented. On the basis of the coincidence of the statistics of the electric and microseismic pulses of the relaxation type, and, also, the fact that the indicated pulses accompany each other, the conclusion is reached about the unique source of both pulses. The constrained rotation of the structural block during its relaxation is considered as such a source. A mechanism is proposed for the generation of electromagnetic signals, connected with the separation of electric charges as a result of the rapid change in the stress-strain state of the rocks of a complex hierarchic-block structure. A model developed by the authors, for the generation of electromagnetic signals during the relaxation processes in the Earth’s crust of a heterogeneous structure, is presented.