The natural world is full of mysteries, and among them, Earthquake Lights (EQL) stand out as a particularly captivating phenomenon.
These transient luminous events, appearing before or during seismic activities, have sparked curiosity and debate for centuries.
This article aims to shed light on the elusive nature of EQL, exploring historical accounts, scientific theories, and the ongoing quest to understand these mysterious lights.
Historical Encounters: A Journey Through Time (Photo : OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images)
The history of EQL sightings is as old as the records of earthquakes themselves. From Aristotle's ancient texts to modern-day social media, accounts of strange lights associated with seismic activity have been documented across the globe.
One of the earliest recorded instances dates back to 373 B.C. in Greece, where "immense columns of flame" were reported before a destructive earthquake.
Fast forward to 1965, when residents of Matsushiro, Japan, witnessed white to bluish flashes in the sky amidst a series of tremors. These historical anecdotes provide a rich tapestry of evidence that EQL is a real phenomenon, witnessed by countless individuals throughout the ages.
Scientific Pursuits: Demystifying the Lights
The scientific community has long been intrigued by EQL, and numerous studies have sought to unravel the mechanisms behind these lights. One leading theory posits that EQL is the result of electrical charges released from certain rocks under stress.
This process, known as seismoelectric effect, occurs when rocks containing imperfections, such as basalt and gabbro, are subjected to tectonic forces.
The stress causes electrical charges to accumulate and, when released, these charges can ionize the air, creating a glow that manifests as EQL.
Further supporting this theory, a comprehensive study published in Seismological Research Letters analyzed 65 cases of EQL, finding commonalities in the geological conditions of the areas where the lights were reported.
The study estimated that the specific conditions required for EQL to occur are present in less than 0.5 percent of earthquakes worldwide, which could explain the rarity of these events.
Despite these insights, the scientific community remains divided. Some researchers argue that the phenomenon could be attributed to other sources, such as atmospheric conditions or man-made lights.
However, the consistency of reports across different cultures and time periods suggests that EQL is a genuine natural occurrence, awaiting full scientific explanation.
In recent years, the advent of technology has allowed for more systematic documentation of EQL. Social media platforms and surveillance cameras have captured instances of EQL, providing valuable data for researchers.
One notable example is the 2017 Mexico earthquake, where green and blue lights were observed and widely shared online. These modern observations offer a new avenue for scientists to analyze EQL, combining historical data with real-time evidence.
The study of EQL not only satisfies scientific curiosity but also holds practical implications. Understanding EQL could potentially lead to advancements in earthquake prediction, offering a warning sign for impending seismic activity.
As research continues, the mystery of EQL remains an open chapter in the book of natural phenomena, inviting both experts and amateurs to witness and ponder the Earth's enigmatic signals.