Preseismic electric signals generated by critical stress loading of the lithosphere. A review of the type of signals obtained from a long lasted (1999 to 2012) experiment conducted in Greece

TL;DR

This review summarizes 13 years of research in Greece on preseismic electric signals, demonstrating their potential to predict earthquake timing and location through piezoelectric mechanisms and signal analysis.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of observed electric signals, their theoretical basis, and their application in earthquake prediction without prior geological knowledge.

Findings

Preseismic electric signals match theoretical piezoelectric models.

Signals can predict earthquake timing and location accurately.

Detection of 'strange attractor' signals enhances prediction reliability.

Abstract

In this work a review is made of the various preseismic electric signals that have been observed before large EQs in Greece during the period of 1999 to 2012. The observed preseismic electric signals comply quite well with the theoretical ones that are expected to be generated by a large scale piezoelectric mechanism been activatsd at the focal area due to its excess stress-load. Preseismic electric signals of the total piezoelectric field, its first time derivative, its oscillation due to M1 and K1 tidal components have been observed by single monitoring sites during the actual 1999 to 2012 experiment in Greece. Moreover, the "strange attractor like" electric preseismic signal was detected by the simultaneously use of two distant monitoring sites. It is demonstrated that the preseismic electric signals can not only determine quite accurately a very short time window for the EQ occurrence and its epicentral location but the latter can be achieved without any prior knowledge of the geological, tectonic setting or past seismic history of the seismogenic area. The predicted pending EQ is treated as a single isolated destructive nature event which sends clear warning signals well before its occurrence. Real examples are presented from the Greek territory. Key words: piezoelectricity, electric preseismic signals, strange attractor like, earthquake prediction.