Japanese scientists reveal how earthquakes can disrupt satellites in space
Earthquakes, the ripples beneath the planet from collision of tectonic plates, not only damages assets on the surface but also above the planet in space.Nagoya University scientists, using Japan's dense network of over 4,500 Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers, have produced the first 3D visualisation of atmospheric disturbances triggered by the 7.5-magnitude Noto Peninsula Earthquake on January 1, 2024.advertisementPublished in Earth, Planets and Space, their study unveils how seismic activity generates complex sound waves in the ionosphere, disrupting satellite communications and challenging prior scientific models.Mapping Ionospheric Turbulence
The ionosphere, a charged atmospheric layer 60–1,000 km above Earth, slows radio waves from satellites.By analysing signal delays, the team calculated electron density changes caused by upward-travelling sound waves from the quake. Using tomography—akin to medical CT scans—they combined multi-angle satellite data to build dynamic 3D models of these disturbances.About 10 minutes post-quake, ripples resembling 'pond waves' emerged in the ionosphere. The 3D images revealed a key anomaly: tilted sound wave patterns south of the epicenter that gradually straightened vertically.
The findings also offer clues for improving earthquake early warning systems. (Photo: Getty)
advertisementTraditional models, assuming waves originate from a single point, failed to explain this complexity.The breakthrough came when researchers incorporated multiple wave sources along the 150-km fault line. 'Earthquakes don't rupture at one spot but propagate across faults,' explained lead author Dr. Weizheng Fu. Their revised model showed waves generated 30 seconds apart from different fault sections, aligning with observed tilted patterns.Ionospheric disturbances can degrade GPS accuracy and satellite communications. 'Understanding these patterns helps mitigate tech vulnerabilities during quakes,' said Professor Yuichi Otsuka, co-author.The findings also offer clues for improving earthquake early warning systems by tracking atmospheric waves alongside ground sensors.The team plans to apply their model to study ionospheric impacts of volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, and extreme weather. This approach could enhance disaster preparedness and real-time monitoring, bridging Earth's surface and space-based technologies.By unraveling the ionosphere's seismic fingerprints, this research marks a leap toward safeguarding critical infrastructure while deepening our grasp of Earth's interconnected systems.Must Watch
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Time of India
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Japanese study unveils how earthquakes quietly disrupt satellites and communications
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