GMT
5
:
19
/
8
:
19

How the Moon and Sun Affect Tectonics and Earthquake Formation

How the Moon and Sun Affect Tectonics and Earthquake Formation

Major earthquakes are more frequent during full moons or new moons, and also during periods of high solar activity. This conclusion was reached by geophysicists from Japan, who studied the most powerful earthquakes that have occurred worldwide in recent decades. The gravity of our Moon and the Sun not only affects the movement of oceanic water masses but also influences the shifting processes of tectonic plates. When the Earth, Moon, and Sun align, as they do during a full moon or an eclipse, the gravitational forces combine, amplifying their effects.

Examples of significant earthquakes occurring during a full moon include:

  • The December 26, 2004 event off the coast of Sumatra (Indonesia), followed by a massive tsunami that claimed over 220,000 lives;
  • The powerful seismic tremors on February 27, 2010, when an 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck central Chile, resulting in 523 deaths;
  • The catastrophic earthquake on March 11, 2011, which devastated the eastern coast of Japan and took 19,000 lives.

For their research, scientists used and analyzed data on the correlation between major earthquakes over the past 20 years and tidal amplitudes during periods when the moon was full or new. According to Japanese researchers, considering the tide cycles in seismically hazardous regions can significantly reduce the risks to populations from potential earthquakes and tsunamis.

How Gravity Influences Earthquakes

Geophysicists and astronomers are well aware that the gravity of the Moon and the Sun can deform Earth’s rocks. Our planet undergoes two cycles of expansion/contraction by approximately 20 centimeters each day due to the gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun. Although the force of gravity is only about 1/1000th that of mechanical stress on a tectonic plate, additional load in a critical situation can trigger a fault line. Rocks within a tectonic fault, already weakened by deformation, can be pushed to move under additional pressure, altering their position and potentially causing earthquakes.

Threat of Earthquakes During Solar Storms

We are aware that strong magnetic storms can disrupt electronics, cause power surges in electrical grids, and create chaos in large cities due to infrastructure collapse. They interfere with radio communications, create obstacles for GPS positioning, and increase metal corrosion.

The effects of solar storms on Earth primarily manifest through changes in magnetic field indicators. During solar activity, we may observe the aurora borealis at latitudes where it is not typically seen. Geomagnetic storms can disable satellites, disrupt communications, and negatively impact human well-being. But can a powerful solar wind directed at Earth trigger an earthquake?

It has been practically demonstrated that electromagnetic induction can influence seismic activity levels. Earthquakes can be triggered by changes in magnetic field characteristics, which occur during powerful solar flares. This is linked to the impact of electric currents on the formation of acoustic waves, capable of inducing earthquakes.

When analyzing the electrical and optical characteristics of the atmosphere during solar activity, scientists have discovered signal fluctuations that coincided with seismic tremors. Data analysis shows that such coincidences are most characteristic of the period before the onset of seismic activity. Therefore, further research in this area aims at the possibility of making short-term earthquake predictions.

Conclusions

Although scientists have not found significant correlations between cosmic data and earthquakes, it is well-known that the Sun and the Moon influence the Earth in various ways. If the influence of gravitational forces is officially considered as a potential trigger for tectonic activity in faults, conclusions about the impact of solar activity on earthquakes have not yet been made. However, this does not mean that research in this area has ceased. Any new information that can improve the quality of earthquake forecasting could significantly reduce seismic risks for populations in potentially dangerous seismic regions.