Spatio-temporal evaluation of ionospheric disturbances before, during and after earthquakes using differential rate of TEC (DROT) from GPS measurements

Karatay S., ARIKAN F., PIRTI A.

Environmental Earth Sciences, cilt.84, sa.8, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 84 Sayı: 8
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s12665-025-12216-1
  • Dergi Adı: Environmental Earth Sciences
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, IBZ Online, PASCAL, Aerospace Database, Agricultural & Environmental Science Database, Applied Science & Technology Source, Aqualine, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, Compendex, Computer & Applied Sciences, Environment Index, Geobase, INSPEC, Pollution Abstracts, Veterinary Science Database, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Differential rate of TEC (DROT), Earthquake precursors, Ionospheric disturbances, Spatio-Temporal analysis, Total Electron content (TEC)
  • Yıldız Teknik Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

This study presents a comprehensive spatio-temporal analysis of ionospheric disturbances associated with seismic activity by applying the Differential Rate Of TEC (DROT) algorithm to GPS-based Total Electron Content (TEC) data. The investigation covers ten major earthquakes (Mw 9.0–5.6), examining ionospheric variability across pre-seismic, co-seismic, and post-seismic periods, alongside geomagnetically quiet and disturbed days. Results reveal that ionospheric perturbations are not confined to the pre-earthquake phase; significant anomalies are also observed during and up to six days after the seismic events. On earthquake days, DROT values predominantly cluster between 60 and 70%, indicating large-scale disturbances, while medium-scale disturbances (50–60%) are prevalent in the days leading up to and following the earthquakes. Spatial analysis shows stronger disturbances within 500 km of epicenters, diminishing with distance. The findings support the Lithosphere-Atmosphere-Ionosphere Coupling (LAIC) model, highlighting the sustained influence of seismic processes on the ionosphere. By distinguishing between seismically and geomagnetically induced disturbances, this study underscores the potential of DROT as a tool for real-time ionospheric monitoring and contributes to efforts in earthquake precursor detection and early warning systems.