The nature of precursor waves from distant earthquakes

Abstract

It is shown that, in accordance with the data used when determining velocity distribution in the Earth’s core [14], so called “precursor” earthquakes cannot be produced by wave scattering to lower mantle inhomogeneities, because seismic rays linking the earthquake sources and seismic stations are located in different inner zones of the Earth and travel at different azimuths, producing a stable wave pattern on aggregate. Thus, the present work considers the fundamental problem regarding what precursor earthquakes are. Solution of this problem will guide ideas about the structure of the Earth’s core.