Seismic-Magnetic Effect of Swarms and Strong Earthquakes along Gulf of Aqaba Fault Segments in Egypt.

Seismo-magnetic investigation can play an important role in the investigation of various phenomena connected with earthquakes. The main target of this study is to investigate the magnetic variations associated with the swarm seismic activity along the fault structures in Gulf of Aqaba. Instrumental seismicity of Aqaba Gulf and magnetic observations were collected and analyzed during the period of 1982–2009. Seismo-magnetic effects were investigated through comparisons of magnetic and earthquake activity for long term and diurnal variations during the observed period. The distribution of these changes exhibited a distinguishing pattern, which could be related to the seismicity in certain periods of high swarm seismic activity and/or strong earthquakes. The seismo-magnetic effects were increased slowly and gradually with swarms but they were increased abruptly with strong earthquakes. Physically, this difference in Sq manners between swarm and strong earthquakes could be interpreted in view of stress force due to earthquakes and gaps along the segments fault of Aqaba Gulf which controlled the rocks containing highly magnetic constituents. The authors concluded that the seismo-magnetic effects were appreciated as a dependent element on the seismic swarm and large earthquake variables. Each of swarm and strong earthquakes has a specific manner of seismo-magnetic effect. This can be used as a powerful tool as a short-term prediction for anticipating strong earthquakes along the segmented fault of Aqaba Gulf. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]