The Lower Atmosphere Response to Seismic Events Using Satellite Data

Abstract

Modern space technologies allow finding vertical profiles of temperature, pressure and humidity in the troposphere and stratosphere for the entire globe. Together with the use of signals from the GLONASS and GPS space systems, the data on the vertical profiles can detect the atmosphere effect of internal gravity waves excited during seismic events. The temperature time series of the atmosphere temperature at the isobaric levels of 450 and 200 hPa were studied in the period from February 1 to April 14, 2011 near the epicentral area of the earthquake in Japan, 2011. It was found that along with temperature fluctuations in the troposphere and in the stratosphere a mirror wave is observed, there are oscillations similar to those of the troposphere oscillations, but which are in opposite phase with them. The mechanism of the origin of the mirror wave is presented as well as the process of its simulation. It is shown that the troposphere and the stratosphere can be used as an antenna receiving infrasonic waves during seismic events, and space technologies as a means of recording these waves.