Exploring Electromagnetic Wave Propagation Through the Ionosphere Over Seismic Active Zones

Abstract

This study presents an analytical solution for the electric current formation in the lower ionosphere as a result of charged aerosols being ejected from the ground before the earthquakes. The impact of ionosphere-related processes on radio wave propagation through the atmosphere is explored by investigating the resulting energy losses of electromagnetic waves traversing this ionospheric layer. Theoretical considerations suggest that these processes may generate detectable electromagnetic signals, offering insights into seismic precursors. The effects of electron density inhomogeneities in the upper ionospheric layers on electromagnetic wave properties such as group delay, Faraday rotation, and Doppler frequency shift are examined. Understanding these effects aims to improve ionospheric monitoring techniques to detect pre-earthquake disturbances. To validate the theoretical findings, a comparison is made with the empirical data from various sources, including VLF transmitters and GPS-TEC measurements. This comparative analysis underscores the potential of electromagnetic phenomena as credible indicators of impending seismic events.