Thermo-mechanoluminescence as a new explanation for ۲۰۱۶ New Zealand earthquake luminosities

Earthquake Lights (EQLs, also known as Earthquake-related luminous phenomena) occurred during ۲۰۱۶ New Zealand earthquake (Mw ۷.۸). We saw the incident of ۱۱ different lights for New Zealand earthquake and we proposed that there is a connection between these lights and ۱۳ surface ruptures of earthquake. We suggest thermo-mechanoluminescence (ThML) can be a new explanation of these lights and explain the conditions of their occurrence. We consider the necessary heat source to be frictional heating of faults. Feldspars, quartz and calcite are the main luminescence producers. Parallel to the heating and production of luminescence on the fault plane, the emission of luminescence due to the pressures and stresses (grinding, rubbing, cutting, cleaving, shaking, scratching, compressing) created on the fault plane is also significant. This kind of emission called mechanoluminescence (ML). Here, we have introduced for the first time ThML as a new cause for the EQLs.

کلیدواژه ها:

(Thermo-mechanoluminescence ، EQLs ، New Zealand earthquake)