Is the geodynamic process in preparation of strong earthquakes reflected in the geomagnetic field?

Abstract

A methodology of detecting geomagnetic variations caused by dangerous geodynamic processes at depth has been developed. This methodology was tested using data from three Japanese observatories within the network of the International project ‘Intermagnet’ (www.intermagnet.org 2011). Anomalous behaviour of the geomagnetic field was detected during the period of the great Tohoku-oki earthquake on 11 March 2011. Theoretical evaluation of the possible mechanisms of these anomalous geomagnetic variations (AGV) has been examined. The possibility of the emergence of an AGV in the vicinity of earthquake epicentres in Japan and their rapid monitoring (online or with a delay of one day) is demonstrated. The main tool of the developed methodology is delineation of the geodynamic magnetic effect by the use of a differential function.