Earthquake Light
Abstract
This paper focuses on manifestations of earthquake light that appear to be of electromagnetic origin: general atmospheric luminosity; light flashes; and auroral effects. Explanations of near-ground phenomena are offered in terms of acceleration of free electrons in air by a geoelectric field, both electron number density and field possibly being enhanced by the earthquake. High- altitude phenomena resemble natural aurorae, but apparently utilize electrons stored in the natural reservoirs of the ionosphere (F layer) and Van Allen belt. Various mechanisms for accelerating ionospheric electrons and for lowering the mirror-point altitudes of Van Allen electrons are examined.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 15, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA161385
Entities
People
- W. G. Mcmillan