Resonant signals in the lithosphere-atmosphere-ionosphere coupling

Area of Science:

• Geophysics
• Earth System Science
• Atmospheric Science

Background:

• Investigating lithosphere, atmosphere, and ionosphere (LAI) coupling is challenging due to instrument distance.
• A new instrumental system (MVP-LAI) in southwest China monitors LAI perturbations.
• A distant GNSS receiver (YADU station) monitors ionospheric Total Electron Content (TEC).

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a robust system for monitoring geophysical parameters across LAI.
• To identify and characterize novel coupling phenomena between Earth's spheres.
• To investigate the persistence and significance of observed LAI coupling.

Main Methods:

• Established an instrumental system (MVP-LAI) for ground vibrations and atmospheric pressure.
• Utilized a ground-based GNSS receiver (YADU) to monitor ionospheric TEC.
• Applied data stacking to enhance signal-to-noise ratios for frequency analysis.

Main Results:

• A novel resonant LAI coupling phenomenon was identified at a fundamental mode of ~3.4 mHz and its multiples.
• This resonant coupling was observed consistently in ground vibrations, atmospheric pressure, and TEC.
• The identified frequencies persisted for 1.5 months, unrelated to known geophysical events.

Conclusions:

• The study reveals a persistent, resonant coupling across the lithosphere, atmosphere, and ionosphere.
• This phenomenon, occurring at ~3.4 mHz, is a fundamental aspect of the Earth's system.
• The findings highlight the interconnectedness of Earth's spheres and the need for integrated monitoring.