Investigation Relationship Between Tec Anomalies and Space Weather Conditions: Morocco Earthquake Example

Abstract

The relationship between the ionosphere and earthquakes using total electron content (TEC) values has become a topic of interest, particularly since the 2000s. The idea behind this relationship is to investigate anomalies in TEC values occurring before or after earthquakes, if at all. Identifying precursors to earthquakes and aftershocks could minimize potential losses. This study examines the possible effect of the MW: 6.8 earthquake that occurred near Al Haouz, Morocco (31.058 degrees N - 8.385 degrees W) on the ionosphere. The TEC changes detected by the Center for Orbit Determination in Europe (CODE) are analyzed in conjunction with space weather conditions (solar activity index, Geomagnetic Storm and Geomagnetic Activity indices, magnetic field variation indices and Proton Density). Anomalies caused by TEC changes are analyzed using different statistical methods (1.34 sigma and Interquartile Range (IQR)). The aim of this study is to highlight differences in analyzing TEC anomalies caused by earthquakes with space weather conditions and to demonstrate that using the IQR statistical method can provide more accurate results for earthquakes with outlier TEC changes. It is one of the important points of the study that two different statistical analysis methods are used together to contribute to earthquake predictability with the help of Space Weather Conditions (SWCs).