Expert: James Gort - 2/11/2007

Question
Hi

Do you think it's feasible that earth could produce "earth flares?" Like "solar flares" but these might glow cold plasma (like what has allegedly been created as "ball lightning" at the Max Planck Institute of Physics, recently). And Like solar flares have connection with sunquakes and coronal mass ejection's and sometimes both simultaneously. Could such a thing  as "Earth flares" (if feasible) be connected with earthquakes and skyquakes and sometimes both simultaneously (Like what took place in the Berwyn mountains, Llandrillo in 1974). "Thanks!"

Answer
Hello David,

You've asked a very interesting question!  I've not heard such a theory proposed before, but I've done a little research and I can find no fundamental reason which would prohibit the formation of "earth flares" which you describe.  That doesn't mean that the phenomenon actually occurs, but my opinion is that it's physically possible.  It's certainly worth additional study!

The artificially produced "ball lightning" used relatively high voltages to "ignite" the plasma.  Telluric currents, which is estimated to be up to 1000 volts per meter, could also (I believe) be used to "ignite" a plasma, especially with plate movements associated with earthquakes.  The "flare" could then rise from the earth from cracks in the crust or through superheated "mantle plumes".  The result (I think) could be similar to a solar flare, although not nearly as energetic or flung as far from the primary body.

By the way, I have great respect for the Max Planck Institute, since they are not afraid of tackling problems which may seem to contradict conventional thinking.  They are very open to exploring new ideas.

I hope I've helped a little.  I think you done a fair amount of research, and now you're asking for a bit of a peer review through this forum - exactly the right steps.  I certainly can't discount the possibility of earth flares based on my understanding of the physical processes.  I urge you to continue to further explore this, and if possible, make predictions which can be verified (the essence of the scientific method).  In that way, the theory can move beyond the "possible" to the more "widely accepted" area.  Good luck!

Prof. James Gort