K. Kh. Kanonidi

Observations of ultra-low-frequency geomagnetic disturbances reflecting the processes of the preparation and development of tsunamigenic earthquakes

Analysis of experimental observations of the Earth’s magnetic field variations recorded by the scientific instruments at the Northern Caucasus Geophysical Observatory of the Institute of Physics of the Earth, Russian Academy of Sciences, in the period 2007–2009 was performed. It was found that the characteristic ultra-low-frequency (ULF) waveforms of the geomagnetic disturbances were distinguished in the structure of the observed variations that reflect the process of preparation and development of a tsunamigenic earthquake.

Ultra low-frequency electromagnetic disturbances appearing before strong seismic events

Analysis of experimental observations of variationsin the magnetic field of the Earth recorded by instrumental complexes of the North Caucasus GeophysicalObservatory is performed. It is shown that it is possibleto distinguish characteristic ultralowfrequency(ULF) wave forms in the structure of the recordedelectromagnetic signals preceding strong teleseismicevents.

The Gorkha earthquake of April 25, 2015 in Nepal: Tectonic position, aftershock process, and possibilities of forecasting the evolution of seismic situation

The characteristics of the foci for the main shock and strongest aftershocks of the Gorkha earthquake of April 25, 2015 in Nepal are described. The macroseismic data and examples of seismic dislocations are discussed. The progression of the release of seismic energy by the aftershock process is analyzed. The data for the geophysical and seismological precursors of the main shock and the strongest aftershock of May 12, 2015 are presented. These data allowed us to formulate the short-term forecast of this event.

Gravimagnetic perturbations preceding earthquakes

Geophysical processes preceding the seismic event in the region of Ryukyu Islands are analyzed on the basis of observatory data. Conditions for generation and structural features of the induced gravimagnetic disturbances are specified.

Variations in cosmic rays during thunderstorms and new geophysical effects

Processes that occur during thunderstorms accompanied by anomalous disturbances in cosmic rays are comprehensively investigated using the Carpet air shower array at the Baksan Neutrino Observatory. The data collected so far indicate the discovery of a new type of electric discharge: runaway electron break-down in the near-threshold regime. A glow in the stratosphere corresponding to this discharge is detected, as is stabilization of geomagnetic micro-pulsations. Both are demonstrated using one event as an example.

Comprehensive study of energetic particle processes in thunderclouds

In the course of an experiment studying variations of cosmic rays during thunderstorms at the Baksan Neutrino Observatory evidence has been obtained in favor of existence of a new type of large-scale electric discharge in thunderstorm atmosphere: a slow runaway electron breakdown in the near-threshold regime. Continuous glow of the stratosphere region above thunderclouds is discovered, correlating with anomalous disturbances in intensity of secondary cosmic rays detected on the ground.

Thunderstorm effects according to data from a comprehensive study of variations in secondary cosmic ray particles

Thunderstorms have been studied at the Baksan Neutrino Observatory (Institute for Nuclear Research, Russian Academy of Sciences) since the summer of 2013 using a measuring instrumentation complex. During the period of observation, three events of continuous night-sky airglow correlating with the disturbances in the flux of energetic particles have been recorded during thunderstorms. It is established that there is interaction between a thunderstorm’s front and the precipitation of protons from the Earth’s radiation belt into the atmosphere due to seismic activity.

Pulsations of the geomagnetic field associated with variations in cosmic ray intensity during thunderstorms

It was discovered that strong variations in the intensity of secondary cosmic rays observed during thunderstorms and earlier interpreted as a consequence of the cyclic generation of electrons and positrons in a strong electric field are accompanied in some cases by well-pronounced pulsations of the geomagnetic field. An experiment was performed with the CARPET array for studying extensive air showers of cosmic rays. This array, located in the Baksan Valley (North Caucasus), was used as a particle detector. Magnetic measurements were made using a high-precision magnetic variation station located deep underground in a tunnel of the Baksan Neutrino Observatory at a distance of about 4 km from the CARPET array.

Strong variations of cosmic ray intensity during thunderstorms and associated pulsations of the geomagnetic field

Strong variations of the intensity of secondary cosmic rays during thunderstorms are found to be accom- panied in some cases by very clear pulsations of the geo- magnetic field. The experiment is carried out in the Baksan Valley, North Caucasus, the Carpet air shower array being used as a particle detector. Magnetic field measurements are made with high-precision magnetometers located deep un- derground in the tunnel of the Baksan Neutrino Observatory, several kilometers apart from the air shower array.