Climatic modulation of seismicity in the Allpine- Himalayan mountain ranges

A significant seasonal modulation of seismicity, with a peak in spring and summer, is evidenced in the Himalaya and the Alps, two regions characterized by present day mountain building and glacial retreat. In addition, a secular modulation of seismicity, which can be correlated with surface atmospheric temperature changes in the Northern Hemisphere, is found over the last ten centuries. Therefore, secular variations in permanent glacial dimensions, naturally associated with long-term average surface atmospheric temperature changes, and seasonal snow load may cause crustal deformations that modulate seismicity.

P>A significant seasonal modulation of seismicity, with a peak in spring and summer, is evidenced in the Himalaya and the Alps, two regions characterized by present day mountain building and glacial retreat. In addition, a secular modulation of seismicity, which can be correlated with surface atmospheric temperature changes in the Northern Hemisphere, is found over the last ten centuries. Therefore, secular variations in permanent glacial dimensions, naturally associated with long-term average surface atmospheric temperature changes, and seasonal snow load may cause crustal deformations that modulate seismicity.