Turbulence in the Geomagnetic Field at Earth Surface

TL;DR

This study reveals turbulence-like behavior in Earth's geomagnetic field and its potential link to earthquake activity, suggesting solar-driven turbulence may influence seismic events.

Contribution

It is the first to identify Kolmogorov-like turbulence in ground-based geomagnetic data and connect it with earthquake correlations.

Findings

Power-law scaling consistent with turbulence observed in geomagnetic data

Significant correlation between geomagnetic variations and large earthquakes

Solar activity may energize turbulence influencing seismic activity

Abstract

We investigated turbulence-like behavior in the geomagnetic field using ground-based magnetic observatory data across China. Through analysis of spatial and temporal structure functions, we find power-law scaling consistent with Kolmogorov-like turbulence under extended self-similarity. We also identify significant correlations between vertical geomagnetic field variations and large earthquakes. The combination of turbulent characteristics with these correlations suggests a physical mechanism where solar activity provides energy that is transferred through turbulent processes to smaller scales, potentially contributing to earthquake triggering.