Based on the case studies and statistical analysis of earthquake-related ionospheric disturbances mainly from DEMETER satellite,ground-based GPS and ionosounding data,this paper summarizes the statistical characteristics of earthquake-related ionospheric disturbances,including electromagnetic emissions,plasma perturbations and variation of energetic particle flux.According to the main results done by Chinese scientists, fusing with the existed study from global researches,seismo-ionospheric disturbances usually occurred a few days or hours before earthquake occurrence.Paralleling to these case studies,lithosphere-atmosphere-ionosphere (LAI) coupling mechanisms are checked and optimized.A thermo-electric model was proposed to explain the seismo-electromagnetic effects before earthquakes.A propagation model was put forward to explain the electromagnetic waves into the ionosphere.According to the requirement of earthquake prediction research,China seismo-electromagnetic satellite,the first space-based platform of Chinese earthquake stereoscopic observation system,is proposed and planned to launch at about the end of 2014.It focuses on checking the LAI model and distinguishing earthquake-related ionospheric disturbance.The preliminary design for the satellite will adopt CAST-2000 platform with eight payloads onboard.It is believed that the satellite will work together with the ground monitoring network to improve the capability to capture seismo-electromagnetic information,which is beneficial for earthquake monitoring and prediction researches.
