Astronomical Influences on Seismic Activity and Their Ecological Impacts: A Multidisciplinary Review

This interdisciplinary review evaluates the available literature regarding the impact of astronomical events on the seismicity of the Earth and its ecological systems. Using a combination of empirical geophysical data, satellite gravimetry, and recent computational modeling, the paper identifies the intersection of celestial mechanics and fault mechanics, as well as stress accumulation and crustal deformation. The focus is also made on ecological consequences of earthquakes, which include soil degradation, hydrological distortion, species displacement, and biome susceptibility. Statistically significant correlations have been found between new moon phases and some strong planetary alignments, especially those involving Jupiter and Saturn, and the occurrences of seismic events of large magnitude. Satellite gravity analysis shows that megathrust earthquakes are preceded by variations in the gravitational field and by long-term redistribution of mass. The impact of seismicity on the ecosystem can be measured with shifts in hydrological regime, carbon storage, and the resilience of vegetables, especially in mountainous and coastal areas. Although these statistics indicate associations between celestial forces and crustal rupture, the exact mechanism of the association, and in particular any nonlinear couplings, are not understood. This review hence promotes the necessity of combined geophysical ecological modeling and implementation of multi-method observational procedures in enhancing predictive capacity and ecological risk management in the tectonically active areas.