IONOSPHERIC DISTURBANCES: IMPACT, DETECTION AND VARIABILITY BEFORE AND DURING 2023 KAHRAMANMARAŞ EARTHQUAKES
Abstract
This study investigates ionospheric disturbances before and during the devastating February 6, 2023, Kahramanmaraş earthquakes (Mw 7.8 and Mw 7.5) using Total Electron Content (TEC) estimates from 15 TNPGN-Active (Turkish National Permanent GNSS Network-Active) stations across Türkiye. The Differential Rate of TEC (DROT) algorithm is applied to detect and quantify pre-seismic ionospheric anomalies by analyzing temporal variations in TEC data. Results reveal significant spatial and temporal patterns in ionospheric disturbances with DROT values progressively increasing from 50-60% to 60-70% within 48-72 hours preceding the earthquakes. Stations closest to the epicenter, particularly ELAZ, ERGN and HAT2, exhibited pronounced anomalies, while a concurrent appearance of disturbances across geographically dispersed stations is observed. Comparison with geomagnetically and seismically quiet reference periods suggests the seismic origin of these disturbances, supporting potential Lithosphere-Atmosphere-Ionosphere Coupling hypothesis. Our findings demonstrate that DROT-based analysis of TEC variations provides valuable insights into seismic-ionospheric interactions and holds potential for enhancing earthquake precursor studies and early warning capabilities.
Keywords
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Electrical Engineering (Other)
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Seçil Karatay
*
0000-0002-1942-6728
Türkiye
Feza Arıkan
0000-0002-6481-1385
Türkiye
Eren Çelik
0009-0009-0936-4859
Türkiye
Ömer Faruk Tutar
0009-0009-3348-632X
Türkiye
Publication Date
August 4, 2026
Submission Date
March 18, 2025
Acceptance Date
April 17, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 31 Number: 2