Abstract.It is well known that lithospheric electromagnetic emissions are generated before earthquakes occurrence. In our study, we consider the physical penetration mechanism of the electric field from the Earth's surface, through the atmosphere-ionosphere layers, and until its detection in space by satellites. A simplified approach is investigated using the electric conductivity equation, i.e., ∇(σ · ∇ ) = 0 in the case of a vertical inclination of the geomagnetic field lines. Particular interest is given to the conductivity profile near the ground and the electric field distribution at the Earth's surface. Our results are discussed and compared to the models of Pulinets et al. (2003) and Denisenko et al. (2008). It is shown that the near ground atmospheric layer with low conductivity decreases the electric field penetration into the ionosphere. The model calculations have demonstrated that the electric field of lithospheric origin is too weak to be observed at satellite altitudes.

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Abstract. We investigate the VLF emissions observed by the Instrument Champ Electrique (ICE) experiment onboard the DEMETER micro-satellite. We analyze intensity level variation 10 days before and after the occurrence of l'Aquila earthquake (EQ). We found a clear decrease of the VLF received signal related to ionospheric whistler mode (mainly Chorus emission) and to signal transmitted by the DFY VLF station in Germany, few days (more than one week) before the earthquake. The VLF power spectral density decreases of more than two orders of magnitude until the EQ, and it recovers to normal levels just after the EQ occurrence. The geomagnetic activity is principally weak four days before EQ and increases again one day before l'Aquila seismic event.Our results are discussed in the frame of short-and longterms earthquakes prediction focusing on the crucial role of the magnetic field of the Earth.