Abstract
An analysis between the hourly distribution of earthquakes in three areas of the Caribbean and the high-frequency variations of the geomagnetic field is presented. The number of earthquakes selected for each zone is between 10,000 and 43,000, which guarantees a statistically significant distribution. The hourly distributions of seismicity in all areas show a bay-shape distribution with a significant increase in the number of earthquakes at night, from 11 PM to 5 AM. For example, in eastern Cuba 36.7% of earthquakes occur at that time, representing 11.7% over 25% in the absence of any time preference. Geomagnetic disturbances were compiled from several years to be able to make a statistically significant hourly distribution of their occurrence, being determined by sudden changes in the magnetic field at a short period of 1 minute. In this sense, geomagnetic data were processed between the years 2011-2016, recorded by the geostationary satellite GOES13 and the magnetic ground station SJG in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The result shows a significant correlation between hourly earthquakes distribution and high-frequency geomagnetic variations. The time-varying conductivity response of Earth’s interior also correlates with seismicity. The theory behind this correlation could be related to the piezoelectric phenomena and the electromagnetic force induced when the magnetic field is disturbed.
Highlights
The correlation between magnetic field anomalies and the occurrence of earthquakes has always been a topic of great interest in the scientific community
This study reveals a significant correlation between the hourly earthquakes distribution and high-frequency geomagnetic variations in the Caribbean caused mainly by solar activity
As is known by Faraday’s Law, when a magnetic field is disturbed, an electric current is generated, whose intensity depends on the frequency of the perturbations
Summary
The correlation between magnetic field anomalies and the occurrence of earthquakes has always been a topic of great interest in the scientific community. Previous studies have tried to demonstrate the occurrence of electromagnetic induction caused by the propagation of seismic waves when the movement of the particles that propagate through the interior of the crust alters the Earth’s magnetic field, generating an electric current [1] [2]. This causes an electromagnetic disturbance accompanying the seismic waves and an electromagnetic signal that propagates independently and arrives first those seismic waves. This study reveals a significant correlation between the hourly earthquakes distribution and high-frequency geomagnetic variations in the Caribbean caused mainly by solar activity. A possible theory is given, the subject stays open for a better understanding of the physical process behind the results
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
