Ionosphere Scintillation and Earthquakes

Recent theoretical and experimental studies demonstrated the ability of space technologies to identify and monitor the specific variations at near-earth space plasma and atmosphere associated with approaching severe earthquakes, named as earthquake precursors, which appear several days before the seismic shock over the seismically active areas. This paper aims at determining the relationship between ionosphere scintillation of radio waves and earthquakes. Data for GPS (Global Positioning System) S4 index have been examined through spatial and temporal correlation. The results showed that the pre-seismic activity can be considered as a source of ionosphere scintillation.