A critical review of the studies about seismo-electromagnetic precursors

Abstract:

We will present an updated overview of seismic precursors observed on ground and on space and the related analyses published in literature. The presentation is mainly focused on seismo-electromagnetic phenomena trying to point out their own characteristics (physical parameters, intensity, duration, background, etc.) and possible connection to the earthquake magnitude. In order to assess the reliability of claimed observations it is mandatory a critical analysis of the natural electromagnetic background due to solar-terrestrial interaction, to tropospheric electromagnetic emissions and to anthropogenic sources that could cover possible seismo-electromagnetic precursors. In this framework, we also summarize some of the physical models proposed to reconcile the observed phenomenology with the physics of earthquake even though a large scientific consensus about which could be preferable is still missing.