Seismo-ionospheric anomalies before M7.2 Haiti earthquake of August 14, 2021, from GPS TEC

Satellite-based measurements of total electron content (TEC) have been employed extensively to detect seismo-ionospheric anomalies. In this research, analysis of Global Positioning System (GPS) and TEC data obtained from three stations within seismogenic zone of M7.2 Haiti earthquake (EQ) of August 14, 2021, has been considered. A statistical procedure was used on daily TEC for the detection of anomalous and differential TEC. The study showed both reduction and enhancement in diurnal TEC within the investigative period on days −14,−11,−9,−7,−6, −4, −3, −1, 2, 3, and 4. Based on results, the three stations on days −11, −9, and −6 were concurrently perturbed. The outcomes of the analysis, which were constrained by data of synchronously monitoring geomagnetic indices of Kernnifzer digit (kp), disturbance storm time (Dst), solar indices (sunspot number (SSN) and F10.7 cm), revealed 82% seismic-induced anomalies relating to the EQ. The differential TEC |∆TEC| data were mostly remarkable on −6 and −4 days to the EQ, and this called for spatial mapping of TEC indices for August 8 and 10, 2021, over the epicenter of the EQ in order to check for atypical UT hours. Unusual ionospheric clouds from 16:00 to 20:00 UT enveloped the epicenter. Thus, this study has uncovered strong seismo-ionospheric anomalies from GPS-TEC data related to M7.2 Haiti EQ of August 14, 2021. This work is promising as short-term precursor of EQ in order to alleviate loss of lives and properties associated with this particular seismic event among others.

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Opracowanie rekordu ze środków MEiN, umowa nr SONP/SP/546092/2022 w ramach programu "Społeczna odpowiedzialność nauki" - moduł: Popularyzacja nauki i promocja sportu (2022-2023).