Simultaneous electric, magnetic and ULF anomalies associated with moderate earthquakes in Kumaun Himalaya

Abstract

Variations in electric and magnetic (EM) felds were examined at two sites: Dhanachuli near the Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) and Patiyasar near the Main Central Thrust (MCT) in Kumaun Himalaya, India. Anomalous EM signatures are defned based on medium-term data recordings. The patterns of anomalous EM signatures are then linked to the occurrence of moderate earthquakes (3.5≤M≤5.0), enhanced along the MCT. The vertical component of the magnetic feld is due to microtremors prior to the earthquakes; electric felds also show positive anomalies. Surface waves due to microtemors associated with the earthquakes is refected in the polarization ratios of geomagnetic data in the Pc4 range (0.01 Hz), a few days prior to each earthquake. In the case of one earthquake, during which suitable data could be retrieved, we observe a frequency change in ULF (Pc1 range) in addition to the enhancement of the Pc4, prior to the event.