Geopolariton tomography of the internal structure of earth: a passive method for analyzing seismogenic zones

• Date: 2026
• Main Authors: Bogdanov, Yuriy, Prokopenko, Serhiy
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: S. Subbotin Institute of Geophysics of the NAS of Ukraine 2026
• Subjects: geopolariton tomography; passive geophysical methods; event index λ; correlation tomography; seismogenic zones; stress-strain state
• Online Access: https://journals.uran.ua/geofizicheskiy/article/view/349923
• Journal Title: Geofizicheskiy Zhurnal

This study presents geopolariton tomography, a passive geophysical method for investigating the dynamic states of the lithosphere based on event statistics of natural electromagnetic responses. Unlike traditional electromagnetic and seismic approaches, geopolariton tomography does not rely on frequency or amplitude analysis, but employs an event index λ that reflects the intensity of transitions between coupled electromagnetic-mechanical states of the geosphere. The study introduces geopolariton states as coupled electromagnetic-mechanical responses in which energy is redistributed between electromagnetic and elastic-relaxation modes. Within this framework, the classical skin-depth limitation is addressed at the level of system description: the observed effects are interpreted as stress-controlled modulation and cascading reorganization of coupled states localized primarily within fault-controlled structures rather than as direct electromagnetic penetration from depth. Using the Bishkek-Tokmak profile (Northern Tien Shan) as a case study, the method reveals volumetric stress clusters and seismic quiescence zones interpreted as dynamically active regimes of elastic energy accumulation. Earthquake hypocentres are shown to form stable parametric ellipsoids, with the most energetic events concentrated near their boundaries, consistent with phase-transition-like processes between energy accumulation and release. The physical meaning of the event index λ and its nonlinear relationship with the stress-strain state of the lithosphere are discussed. Geopolariton tomography is positioned as a tool for diagnosing pre-critical states and monitoring fault-zone dynamics rather than for deterministic earthquake prediction.