Application of the polarization method to the observation of seismomagnetic waves produced by strong earthquakes

The polarization method of recognition of seismomagnetic signals against ba ckground noise was proposed in addition to the known methods. This method i s based on the fact that the signal has a circular polarization in the vert ical plane regardless of the particular mechanism of the magnetic field exc itation by a seismic wave, so that the polarization plane is perpendicular to the seismic wave front, and the rotation direction of the magnetic vecto r is controlled by the propagation direction of this wave. The method was a pplied to analyze the two concrete events. As a result, we detected the mag netic signals, which were excited by the seismic surface waves. The problem s of interpretation of these signals are considered with emphasis placed on the dependence of the seismic energy conversion into the energy of magneti c field on the conductivity, permeability, electrokinetic activity, and mag netic structure of rocks. The uncertainties of conversion parameters hamper s the quantitative interpretation of specific features. A seismomagnetic re search test area is proposed for methodological experiments designed to stu dy the mechanomagnetic conversion properties of the Earth's crust.