The electric field of the Earth after the occurrence of the February 14th, 2008, Ms = 6.7R EQ in Greece. Its implications towards the prediction of a probable future large EQ

TL;DR

This study analyzes Earth's electric field variations after the 2008 Greece earthquake, suggesting electrical signals can indicate seismic activity and help predict potential future large earthquakes in the region.

Contribution

It introduces a method to analyze post-earthquake electric field data to identify seismogenic areas and estimate the magnitude of possible future earthquakes.

Findings

Electrical signals denoting epicentral areas were identified.

The seismogenic area coincides with active seismic zones.

A potential future earthquake magnitude of Ms = 7.24R was estimated.

Abstract

The electric field of the Earth registered by three monitoring sites (ATH, PYR, HIO) located in Greece, is investigated and analyzed after the occurrence of the Methoni EQ (14th of February, 2008, Ms =6.7R). The period of analysis is performed for 2 days (21st-22nd of February) and 7 days after the occurrence of the main seismic event. The obtained results suggest that the seismogenic area generates electrical signals denoting a specific epicentral area. This area coincides with the already seismically activated area. An estimate for the time of occurrence of this EQ is made by the application of the Oscillating Lithospheric Plate Model. The analysis of the seismic potential of the regional area suggests that the remaining stored seismic energy is capable of producing a large earthquake in the same area. The expected maximum magnitude (Ms) of a future earthquake which could take place in the same seismogenic area is estimated as Ms = 7.24R by the application of the Lithospheric Seismic Energy flow model.