New technique to reveal and study the precursor of earthquakes in the electricity of near-ground atmosphere

Abstract

We introduce a unique technique proved by the physics to reveal and study the earthquake precursors in the electricity of the near-ground atmosphere. Unlike the method of detecting the precursor in the behavior of the electric field, the author for the first time studies the electric state of the near-ground air. The technique consists of measurement of the field potential gradient along with the air polar conductivities. It also includes the analysis of: 1) the unipolarity coefficient values; 2) the space charge density of small ions; 3) the vertical electric conduction current density. Besides, the technique considers the weather observation data. The author used the technique for backcasting of the electrical state of the near-ground air prior to the earthquake near South Kamchatka in August 30, 2004 (M = 6, 400 km far from the measurement site). For the first time we recorded an anomalous disturbance of the near-ground air electrical state prior to an earthquake. It started three days and ceased 9-12 hours prior to the event. No disturbance was revealed after the earthquake. The author has found the cause and certain peculiarities of that disturbance.