Noting that there is some evidence for the existence of comparatively large ultralow-frequency magnetic field fluctuations preceding earthquakes with magnitudes M ~ 7 or greater, the author expresses concern that there is no U.S. federal program in the Earth sciences to obtain additional measurements using equipment appropriately located. He also notes that if the signals are emerging from more general Earth processes, measurements could provide new information about those processes and the Earth’s interior.

As published in Eos