In the days before the 9.0-magnitude Tohoku earthquake struck off the coast of Japan – data collected by scientists indicated that Earth’s atmosphere above the earthquake’s epicenter was heating up. The data came from satellite observations showing large increases in electron density and infrared radiation (or heat) emissions above the earthquake’s epicenter over a period of about eight days prior to the earthquake on March 11, 2011.

The scientists used satellite data to collect information on outgoing long-wave radiation and the electron content of the ionosphere. The ionosphere is the layer of the Earth’s atmosphere that contains a high concentration of charged ions and free electrons, which are able to reflect radio waves. The ionosphere extends from about 80 to 1000 kilometers (50 to 620 miles) above the surface of the Earth.

The scientists discovered that there was a rapid increase of emitted infrared radiation (or heat) on March 7, 2011 near the epicenter, and that radiation levels peaked just prior to the earthquake. The scientists also observed that the total electron content of the ionosphere near the epicenter increased from March 3 to March 10, peaked on March 8, then returned to background levels after the main earthquake subsided.

According to the scientists, similar atmospheric anomalies have been observed a few days prior to the earthquakes in China (magnitude 7.9, 2008), Italy (magnitude 6.3, 2009), Samoa (magnitude 7, 2009), Haiti (magnitude 7.0, 2010), and Chile (magnitude 8.8, 2010).

The scientists attribute these precursory atmospheric events to the phenomenon of Lithosphere-Atmosphere-Ionosphere (LAI) Coupling. During LAI Coupling, the air is ionized by the emission of radon and other gases from the Earth’s crust in the vicinity of an active fault. The ionization of air initiates a cascade of other atmospheric reactions including the condensation of water molecules and the release of latent heat, which increases air temperatures.

 

Tuesday, Mar. 20, 2012

ELECTRON STORM: The number of energetic electrons in Earth's outer radiation belt is significantly elevated according to analysts at the Goddard Space Weather Lab. 

 

And remember Tohuku experienced -

The first major foreshock was a 7.2 M_W event on  March 9 2011.

 

The Ring of Fire Vicinity -

The Mexico: Oaxaca earthquake on March 22, 1928 had a magnitude of 7.7. The earthquake caused injuries, deaths and damage in millions.

 

And that's where seismicity is centered now- 

 

Mid-Point - March 21st 2013

God Bless,

gail