The Sun Might Be Influencing Earthquakes, Scientists Say

Seismologists know a lot about the mechanics of earthquakes and why they occur. What’s more difficult to determine, however, is how to predict future earthquakes. And while associating earthquakes with solar or lunar activity might sound like a conspiracy theory, recent research suggests a possible link between the Sun’s heat and seismic activity. Researchers in Japan discovered that computer models incorporating Earth’s surface temperatures simulated past earthquakes more accurately. Their study, published Tuesday in the journal Chaos, reveals that the Sun’s impact on Earth’s surface might influence our planet’s seismic activity. If validated, these results could revolutionize earthquake prediction and, as a consequence, our ability to prepare. A 2022 study by some of the same authors had previously established that solar activity, including sunspots, impacts seismicity on our planet. “However, the mechanisms by which the Sun can affect seismic activity on Earth are still unknown,” ... Read full article.