Seismomagnetic observation during the 8 July 1986 magnitude 5.9 North Palm Springs earthquake

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Abstract

A differentially connected array of 24 proton magnetometers has operated along the San Andreas fault since 1976. Seismomagnetic offsets of 1.2 and 0.3 nanotesla were observed at epicentral distances of 3 and 9 kilometers, respectively, after the 8 July 1986 magnitude 5.9 North Palm Springs earthquake. These seismomagnetic observations are the first obtained of this elusive but long-anticipated effect. The data are consistent with a seismomagnetic model of the earthquake for which right-lateral rupture of 20 centimeters is assumed on a 16-kilometer segment of the Banning fault between the depths of 3 and 10 kilometers in a region with average magnetization of 1 ampere per meter. Alternative explanations in terms of electrokinetic effects and earthquake-generated electrostatic charge redistribution seem unlikely because the changes are permanent and complete within a 20-minute period.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Seismomagnetic observation during the 8 July 1986 magnitude 5.9 North Palm Springs earthquake
Series title Science
DOI 10.1126/science.237.4819.1201
Volume 237
Issue 4819
Year Published 1987
Language English
Publisher American Association for the Advancement of Science
Description 3 p.
First page 1201
Last page 1203
Country United States
State California
Other Geospatial North Palm Springs
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