Re: Number of large earthquakes before and after eclipses
Posted by Lowell on June 25, 2001 at 12:16:06:

These tables are for global earthquakes not just those that fall within the eclipse
path. Paths of eclipses are not generally available for older events (at least I
have not found them) and even if they were, it would be a much more difficult
problem only including those earthquakes which occurred within the path. These
tables are quick and dirty. I'll leave the nitty-gritty for others who want to publish
their results, I'm just trying to jump-start the process.

Has anyone done calculations on the paths of total or annular eclipses that ONLY transverse major faults?

Because of the problems cited, I do not believe this has been done - someone
please correct me if I am wrong.

What bearing does the wider swath of an annular eclipse have upon possible eclipse-triggered EQs (if they exist)?

The annular eclipse occurs when the moon is farther away from the earth, the only
difference I could imagine would be a slight reduction in earth tides with annular
vs total eclipses.

s every point in the annular swath equally vulnerable (provided the swath passes over strained fault zones), or is there
more of a danger in the median of the swath?

I would expect very little difference unless something is acting besides gravitational
forces. Remember that an total eclipse is different from a new moon or a partial
eclipse because for a few minutes (up to 10 minutes) not only is the gravitational
energy aligned (that is the gravity is pulling in the same direction not at angles),
but ALL the electromagnetic and particulate radiation from the sun is blocked
from the earth. This affects the electromagnetic field as well as the geomagnetic
field, both of which may be triggering factors in earthquakes. That, in my opinion,
is what makes a total eclipse different from a new moon or a partial eclipse.

Also, what are those ovals within the annular paths on the maps?

I'll let someone else take a stab at this one.


Follow Ups:
     ● Re: Number of large earthquakes before and after eclipses - Cathryn  12:40:19 - 6/25/2001  (8148)  (0)