Earthquake Oddities: Share Your Experiences Now!

URGENT REQUEST: The Seismological Society of America is seeking your earthquake oddity stories! If you’ve witnessed unusual phenomena during or after an earthquake, now is the time to share your experiences. Lori Dengler, an emeritus professor of geology at Cal Poly Humboldt, is gathering reports for her upcoming session on ‘Intriguing Seismic Observations’ at the society’s annual meeting next spring.

Earthquakes are known for causing significant ground displacement, but many people have reported strange occurrences that remain underexplored. One of the most intriguing phenomena is earthquake lights, which manifest as glowing skies or bursts of light during seismic events. This was notably observed in the aftermath of the April 26, 1992 Cape Mendocino earthquakes, where many witnesses reported seeing bright flashes of blue-white light, even in remote areas without electrical infrastructure.

Dengler highlights that these lights may result from P-waves, which are sound waves generated by earthquakes that can create visible electrical phenomena as they travel through the atmosphere. Additionally, satellites have detected disturbances in the ionosphere following powerful earthquakes, which can disrupt communications.

In 1992, some witnesses described a greenish glow moving across the sky, reportedly coinciding with the seismic waves. Another extraordinary account comes from a fisherman off the coast who observed the ocean glowing a vivid aqua during the aftershocks. This phenomenon has been linked to bioluminescent organisms agitated by seismic activity.

Dengler also notes reports of the ground visibly rolling during the 1992 quake, a phenomenon that has not been seriously studied in recent years. Many eyewitnesses likened the movement to “waves on the ocean.” This observation, along with others, is prompting a renewed focus on ground roll and its potential implications for understanding seismic events.

The professor urges anyone with similar experiences, including odd sounds, strange smells, or unusual behaviors from animals, to come forward. 20% of people report feeling nauseous during earthquakes, a reaction attributed to the inner ear sensing motion that is out of sync with visual information.

If you have encountered any unusual phenomena during an earthquake, please reach out to Lori Dengler via 707-826-6019 or email [email protected]. Your observations could play a crucial role in advancing the scientific understanding of these mysterious occurrences.

Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research! Share your stories today and help uncover the mysteries of earthquake oddities.