Russian scientists plan to develop a method of forecasting earthquakes, typhoons and snowstorms by atmospheric changes, Alexander Namgaladze, Dr. Sc. in Physics and Mathematics, Professor and Senior Research Associate at Murmansk State Technical University, told TASS.

Long-term research showed that when large-scale seismic events build up, a considerable increase or drop in the concentration of charged particles is registered over their epicenters on a height of 200-500 km. Over several years of research conducted with the assistance of a computer physical and mathematical model of the Earth's upper atmosphere developed by a group of scientists under Namgaladze's guidance, it was established that atmospheric anomalies occur due to an electric current between the Earth's surface and the ionosphere. The electric current, in turn, arises due to dust, aerosols and heated water vapor that escape into the air in the first stages of seismic processes.

Due to this discovery, it is possible to develop a practical method of forecasting earthquakes by the atmospheric condition. "Such anomalies can occur some time before volcanic eruptions, dust storms, typhoons and, also, what is more important for the Arctic and Subarctic regions, snowstorms and sea storms, which can also be forecast," Namgaladze said.