A Statistical Study of Lightning Activities and M ≥ 5.0 Earthquakes in Taiwan During 1993–2004

In this study, to see whether or not lightning activities are related to earthquakes, we statistically examine lightning activities 30 days before and after 78 land and 230 sea M ≥ 5.0 earthquakes in Taiwan during the 12-year period of 1993–2004. Lightning activities versus the location, depth, and magnitude of earthquakes are investigated. Results show that lightning activities tend to appear around the forthcoming epicenter and are significantly enhanced a few, especially 17–19, days before the M ≥ 6.0 shallow (depth D ≤ 20 km) land earthquakes. Moreover, the size of the area around the epicenter with the statistical significance of lightning activity enhancement is proportional to the earthquake magnitude.