This paper examines variations of the greatest plasma frequency in the iono
sphere, foF2, recorded by the Chung-Li ionosonde (25.0 degrees N, 121.1 deg
rees E) before M greater than or equal to 6.0 earthquakes during 1994-1999.
The 15-day running median and the associated inter-quartile range are util
ized as the reference and the upper or lower bounds to monitor the ionosphe
ric foF2 variations for finding seismo-ionospheric signatures (precursors)
of the earthquakes. It is found that precursors, in the form of the recorde
d foF2 falling below its associated lower bound around 1200-1700 LT, appear
1-6 days prior to these earthquakes. On September 20, 1999 UT (September 2
1, Taiwan local time) a large Mw=7.7 earthquake struck central Taiwan near
the small town of Chi-Chi. We analyzed the foF2 and found three clear precu
rsors 1, 3, and 4 days prior to the Chi-Chi earthquake.