Seismomagnetic response of a fault zone

Abstract

Based on the results of instrumental observations of geomagnetic variations caused by the propagation of seismic waves through a fault zone, the dependences between the amplitudes of the induced seismomagnetic effect and seismic signal as a function of distance r to the midline of the fault are obtained. For the first time, it is shown that the amplitude of the seismomagnetic effect is maximal in the fault damage zone. The phenomenological model describing the generation of magnetic signals by seismic waves propagating through the crushed rock in the tectonic fault zone is suggested. It is assumed that geomagnetic variations are generated by the changes in the electrical conductivity of the fragmented rocks as a result of the deformation of the rock pieces contacts. The amplitudes of the geomagnetic variations calculated from the model agree with the instrumental observations.