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International audience; The paper presents the results of a joint analysis of ground-based and satellite observations of very low-frequency and low-frequency (VLF/LF) signals during periods of strong seismic activity in the region of Kuril Islands and Japan in 2004–2010. Ground and satellite data was processed using a method based on the difference between the real signal in nighttime and that of a model. The results of the analysis show a good correlation between ground-based and satellite data for several cases of strong (M ⩾ 6.8) earthquakes.

A case study has been performed on the lower ionospheric perturbations as seen from the Japanese subionospheric VLF (very low frequency, 3–30 kHz) /LF (low frequency, 30–300 kHz) propagation network for a recent powerful earthquake, i.e., the Miyagi-oki earthquake on 16 August 2005 (magnitude 7.2, and depth 36 km). Different propagation paths were examined and the two paths from a transmitter with call sign of JJY ( f = 40 kHz, in Fukushima prefecture) to both receiving stations of Kamachatka, Russia and Moshiri, Hokkaido, exhibit clear signatures of ionospheric perturbations a few days before and a few days after the earthquake. We have detected a clear nighttime amplitude decrease and an enhancement in nighttime fluctuation, both exceeding the corresponding three standard deviations from the mean. We discuss other seismogenic phenomena in order to study the lithosphere–ionosphere coupling.

Variations of the LF signal from observations in 6 receiving stations during 2000–2004 are analyzed. Five stations are located in Japan (Kochi, Moshiri, Kasugai, Shimizu and Chiba) and one station is in Russia (Petropavlovsk–Kamchatski). All the stations are equipped with the identical OMNIPAL receivers. JJY (40 kHz) transmitter is situated in Fukushima prefecture (Japan). Sensitivity of the phase and amplitude of the LF signal to ionosphere and atmosphere perturbations associated with variations of the magnetic and meteorological conditions and solar activity is studied. Correlation of phase and amplitude variations of the LF signal with D st -index, outer-zone particles (protons and electrons) with high-pitch angle is established for all the stations. It is found that LF anomalies are typical for the main phase of magnetic storm if the sudden commencement happens in the night time. The similarity of phase and amplitude anomalies to the structure of the simultaneously observed Pi3 geomagnetic pulsations is found for all the stations. Correlation between variations of atmosphere pressure and amplitude of the LF signal is established. Correlation between variations of humidity for the stations located on the coast of Japan and amplitude of the LF signal is found.

The variations of phase and amplitude of LF signal propagating from the transmitter JJY (40 kHz, Fukushima prefecture, Japan) are analyzed. The receiver is situated in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatski (Russia). The time interval from July1, 2004 till January 24, 2005 is included in the examination. This interval is characterized by quiet seismic conditions up to the beginning of November, but rather strong seismic activity occurs in November and December not far from Hokkaido (Japan) and in the region of northern Kuril Islands. Seismic activity in a zone of sensitivity of our wave paths is determined by three series of earthquakes with M = 5.6–7.1. Nighttime “bay-like” phase and amplitude anomalies of the LF signal begin some days before the first earthquake and continue till the last earthquake of this series ( M = 6.2, November 11, 2004). Most strong and obvious anomalies appear in the amplitude of the LF signal. After that, during about one fortnight a period of seismic calm is observed. Then there is a following anomaly of the LF signal before two earthquakes ( M = 7.1, 28.11.04 and M = 6.8, 6.12.04). The next LF anomaly is observed before the earthquakes on December, 18 and 21 ( M = 5.8 and M = 5.6). During the whole period of seismic activity a significant shift in terminator times is also evident. The spectrum of LF seismo-induced anomalies shows a clear increase for the periods of 10–25 min.

The phase (P) and amplitude (A) anomalies in subionospheric LF signal (40 kHz) along the path Japan–Kamchatka of 2300 km have been studied for the data observed by means of a digital OminiPAL receiver for 2 years. The empirical model of background P and A daily variations for quiet and disturbed geomagnetic conditions in the absence of seismic activity is developed. We pay special attention to the P and A features during large magnetic storms. A sensitivity threshold of LF signal to deforming influence of the geomagnetic and seismic factors is defined. Two cases of bay-like behavior of LF phase and amplitude in nighttime are described as a clear earthquake precursor of LF signal. We have found from the statistical study that LF signal effect is observed only for earthquakes with M⩾5.5 and we discuss the possible mechanisms of the effect.