Are Earthquake Lights Real or Just Power Arcs?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the phenomenon of earthquake lights, particularly in relation to recent seismic events along the west coast of the Americas. Participants explore whether these lights are genuine geological phenomena or merely the result of power line arcs, with references to specific earthquakes and anecdotal reports from residents.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note reports of earthquake lights during the Napa earthquake, suggesting a potential connection to seismic activity.
  • Others argue that these lights are most likely due to power line arcs, which can create significant visual displays under certain conditions.
  • One participant mentions that the reporting on earthquake lights lacks scientific investigation, implying skepticism about the claims made in media reports.
  • There is a discussion about various theories linking lunar tidal forces to earthquake activity, with some being scientifically grounded and others considered less credible.
  • Participants share links to videos and articles that discuss both earthquake lights and power line arcs, contributing to the debate on their origins.
  • Some express agreement with the idea that many reported lights can be explained by electrical faults rather than geological phenomena.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus; while some believe earthquake lights may exist, others maintain that most instances can be attributed to power line arcs. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the true nature of these lights.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the lack of scientific investigation into the reported earthquake lights, and the dependence on anecdotal evidence raises questions about the reliability of the claims made.

davenn
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hi gang

3 x M6+ events within 24 hrs down the west coast regions of the Americas
as recorded on my system here in Australia

attachment.php?attachmentid=72441&stc=1&d=1409005040.gif


firstly from top to bottom
a M 6.4, coastal central Chile
then the M 6.0, Napa Valley area California, USA
then a M 6.9, within the Andes Mountains of central Peru

The last one, altho the largest was relatively small in amplitude because of its
101 km depth - this results in a lack of significant surface waves

cheers
Dave
 

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  • 140823-24 UT M 6.4 Chile, 6.1 California, 5.4 SSI, 6.9 Peru zhi.gif
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The Napa quake just missed me by about 30 miles. No deaths, but several hundred injuries and lots of broken water and gas distribution pipes. Good local response by EMS, Fire, PD, and other emergency agencies. :smile:
 
wow Mike
that's a little too close for comfort

I haven't been up through the Napa Valley area since 2006

Dave
 
From 96.5 KOIT San Francisco news station. Now that's creative! :smile:
 

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  • Napa Earthquake Skateboard KOIT San Francisco.jpg
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indeed :)
making the best of a bad situation

D
 
Hi Dave!

Re: your graphs
1. Is the first one at ~2320 UTC on 24 August the one recorded off Valparaiso, Chile?
2. Did you receive and record anything on 17 August from Southwestern Iran?
3. Do you know of any theory connecting lunar tidal forces with earthquake activity?

Cheers, Bobbywhy
p.s. Congratulations! Love your real data!
 
hi Bobbywhy

1) a bit NNE of Valparaiso ~ 50km and inland from the coast ~ 10km or so

2) The M 6.2, Yes I did but pretty low amplitude

3) Yes, there's a few theories floating around. Some with good scientific grounding others fall into the woowoo science realm haha

my online real time seismo's

Thanks
Dave
 
Most likely just power line arcs. They can cascade for a pretty good light show in the right conditions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYCHBI66izs

This one was lightning induced.
 
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  • #10
nsaspook said:
Most likely just power line arcs. They can cascade for a pretty good light show in the right conditions...
.

Yup would have to agree with that comment

in that other link, the press report was pretty unscientific

Dave
 
  • #11
  • #12
I'm not saying the possibility of earthquake generated lights is a myth

I'm saying that with the way that was reported in that article without any scientific investigation
NSASPOOK's explanation is substantially more likely

Dave
 
  • #13
I don't think it's a myth but I think most are just power arcs instead of some strange type of geological Earth stress discharge.

Other earthquake lights type events.
Major substation fault.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIdjfDdYs9w

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y196J86YrRU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMunTcLvSzE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBwXR_It9kw
 
  • #14
nsaspook said:
I don't think it's a myth but I think most are just power arcs instead of some strange type of geological Earth stress discharge.

Other earthquake lights type events.

Yup ... still agree with you
and none of those videos shows anything that couldn't be explained by arcing power lines ... transformer explosions etc caused by earthquakes or other electrical faults


cheers
Dave
 

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