The occurrence of trigger effects in regional seismicity

Abstract

This study is concerned with the influence exerted by worldwide M ≥ 7.5 earthquakes on the seismicity of California, and well as with the effects of M ≥ 5 southern California earthquakes on northern Californian seismicity. The analysis concerns the 1990–2013 period. We noted a seismicity increase in southern and northern California during the first 24 hours after worldwide earthquakes and a decrease during the next 48 hours. A seismicity increase in northern California during the first 24 hours following an earthquake in southern California and a decrease during the next 48 hours were also noted. A seismicity increase was observed in the Long Valley caldera during the first 24 hours following an M ≥ 5 earthquake in southern California and a decrease during the next 48 hours. We also discuss some causes of this trigger effect, in view of the fact that the external excitations had low intensity. No seismicity changes have been detected in southern and northern California during powerful typhoons in the northeastern Pacific and during magnetic storms.