Abstract:
The amplitude asymmetry and initial polarity of seismic induced ionospheric perturbations
around the epicenter are considered to be important in providing information about the rupture
propagation and related vertical surface deformation. To comprehend this, we study ionospheric
perturbations related to the 12 May 2015, Mw 7.3 Nepal earthquake. We model the coseismic slip associated
with the event using the interferometric synthetic aperture radar derived surface deformation data. The
ionospheric perturbations associated with the obtained surface deformation are explained in terms of
rupture propagation, favorable geomagnetic field-wave coupling, and satellite geometry effects. We discuss
the effects of phase cancelation on the perturbation evolution for various receiver satellite line-of-sight
configurations invoking an elementary version of satellite geometry factor. The present study thus elucidates
further the role of nontectonic forcing mechanisms while identifying ground source pattern using the
associated ionospheric perturbations.
