Do Plasma Phenomena Indicate Imminent Earthquakes?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the phenomenon of atmospheric disturbances, particularly those described as plasma, that some witnesses claim to observe before significant earthquakes. Participants explore the validity of these claims within the context of geophysics, questioning whether such phenomena could indicate impending seismic activity.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants mention anecdotal reports of plasma-like phenomena observed before earthquakes, suggesting a possible connection to seismic activity.
  • Others seek citations and credible sources regarding these phenomena, noting that much of the available information comes from non-scientific outlets.
  • One participant references the term "Earthquake Light" and discusses the piezoelectric effect as a potential explanation for these observations.
  • Several participants share links to videos and articles documenting atmospheric phenomena preceding earthquakes, although the reliability of such sources is questioned.
  • One participant argues that some reported phenomena are misidentified, specifically mentioning common ice cloud halos that can appear similar to the described effects.
  • Another participant emphasizes the need for reputable scientific evidence, expressing skepticism about the lack of discussion on platforms like Arxiv regarding these claims.
  • Some participants assert that there are credible reports and scientific papers discussing atmospheric disturbances related to earthquakes, urging others to focus on reliable sources.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of curiosity and skepticism regarding the connection between atmospheric phenomena and earthquakes. While some acknowledge the existence of reports and papers on the topic, others challenge the validity of specific examples and emphasize the need for scientific rigor. No consensus is reached on the relationship between these phenomena and seismic activity.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations in the available evidence, noting the reliance on anecdotal reports and the absence of substantial scientific literature on the topic. The discussion reflects varying interpretations of atmospheric phenomena and their potential implications for earthquake prediction.

PhysicsFan11
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I have been intrigued by reports over the years from witnesses who claimed (at various sites) that before a particularly severe earthquake, that unusual atmospheric phenomenon that would seem to be best described as various forms of plasma (super heated gas) were seen. Is this something accepted in geophysics and what would it indicate? Perhaps cracks in the Earth allowing superheated gases to be released as the 'friction' zone of an earthquake reaches its peak?
 
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Can you cite anything about it? Most of the materials I can find are on Washington Post blog and National Geographic. As far as I looked, the relevant term is Earthquake Light. It seems to be vague and most of the explanations that are not (as aptly described in National Geographic article) 'UFO fodder' revolve around piezoelectric effect caused by a stress along the prospective earthquake zone.
 
DevacDave said:
Can you cite anything about it?
These have been anecdotal but over multiple times and sites. Here is but one link to clouds (fascinating) that were seen before an earthquake in China.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=82eoaoOkyAA
 
Here is yet another, this time before a Canadian earthquake.
 
Don't get me wrong, I'm just as curious as you are but could not find anything reputable almost instantly. It's usually a bad sign, so I would like to hear geophysicist say a few words on the topic.

EDIT: This got sent unintentionally, I wasn't finished writing. Here's the rest:

However, as noted in the rules it's not really a place for speculative talks etc. I was hoping to at least bring few clarifying terms and definitions. Videos are really nice, but without some additional data they can't be really assumed as a solid proof/material on its own. I would look around the term Earthquake Lights or similar, but there is nothing about it on Arxiv… usually a really bad sign for any theory.
 
Last edited:
PhysicsFan11 said:
Here is yet another, this time before a Canadian earthquake.

Sorry to burst your bubble but that is a common ice cloud rainbow. Nothing to do with earthquakes. Feel free to Google the term.
 
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DaveC426913 said:
Sorry to burst your bubble but that is a common ice cloud rainbow. Nothing to do with earthquakes. Feel free to Google the term.

To clarify, it's part of the ice cloud halos, on the same side of the sun, opposite side to a rainbow.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halo_(optical_phenomenon)
 
artyb said:
To clarify, it's part of the ice cloud halos, on the same side of the sun, opposite side to a rainbow.
Yup. When But ice cloud halo tends to turn up halos in Google that are more-or-less fully circular, looking little like the OP's example.
 
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