Thermo e.m.f. phenomena in continuous electrically conducting bodies and prediction of earthquakes

F. Miķelsons - J. Kļaviņš

Institute of Physics, University of Latvia, 32 Miera 32, LV-2169 Salaspils, Latvia

Abstract
A series of investigations implemented at the Institute of Physics University of Latvia, concerned with thermoelectric phenomena in different metals and alloys, has revealed deformations and tensions, as well as shown that any structurally inhomogeneous zones in continuous bodies in the presence of temperature gradients give rise to thermoelectric currents. Being closed on themselves, the thermoelectric currents can be measured by measuring the magnetic field generated by these currents around the body. It is known that seismic electric signals precede earthquakes [2]. Alike in seismically active regions some change of the magnetic field has been registered in some cases prior to earthquakes. The paper shows that the cause of these changes could be thermoelectric phenomena in the Earths crust when it is deformed by tectonic tensions. Figs 5, Refs 7.