Space-time combined correlation integral and earthquake interactions

Scale invariant properties of seismicity argue for the presence of complex triggering mechanisms. We propose a new method, based on the space-time combined generalization of the correlation integral, that leads to a self-consistent visualization and analysis of both spatial and temporal correlations. The analysis has been applied on global medium-high seismicity. Results show that earthquakes do interact even on long distances and are correlated in time within defined spatial ranges varying over elapsed time. On that base we redefine the aftershock concept.