  Earthquakes are measured using well defined seismic parameters such as
seismic moment (Mo), moment magnitude (Mw), and released elastic energy(E). How
this tremendous amount of energy is accumulated silently deep inside the
earth's crust? The most obvious question in seismic research remains
unanswered. We found an inherent and intriguing connection between the released
energy in an earthquake and electrochemical potential induced in an ultra-thin
metal oxide electrode immersed in an aqueous pH solution, which leads us to
understand the origin of the energy accumulation process in an earthquake. A
huge electrochemical potential is accumulated from numerous electrochemical
cells formed in a unique layer structure of hydrated clay minerals
(predominantly smectite), which resulted in a lightning-like discharge in the
lithosphere (hypocenter). The subsequent thunder-like massive shockwave is
produced, which initiates tectonic plate movement along a fault line, probably
through acoustic fluidization (AF), and resulting seismic energy is transmitted
as primary wave (P-wave), secondary wave (S-wave), and surface waves. The
presence of electrical voltage in the hypocenter directly supports the seismic
electric signal (SES), further strengthening the VAN method of earthquake
prediction. Our finding is supported by a plethora of research and observation
devoted to seismic science. This study will indeed find its significance if
immediate action is implemented to monitor the evolution of electrochemical
potential, seismic electrical signal (SES), and ionic activity in the fault
zone at lithosphere as well as in the ionosphere for predicting an impending
earthquake for saving human lives as early as possible.
