THE RESIZING OF THE MOST POWERFUL ITALIAN INSTRUMENTAL EARTHQUAKE (SEPTEMBER 8, 1905, CALABRIA REGION, SOUTHERN ITALY)

The 8 September 1905 Calabria earthquake is the seismic event for which the Italian Seismic Catalogue shows the highest instrumental magnitude of the whole dataset. However, the reported Ms=7.47 was calculated over only two stations, and leaves room for a revision. In this work I provide a new estimate of the surface-wave magnitude of the earthquake calculated over sixteen individual values of magnitude from seven different stations. The new estimate is Ms=7.06±0.13, a value that is consistently lined up with other estimates provided by means of macroseismic or geological evidence. The novel estimate is stable despite alternative epicentral locations and different depths proposed for this event by several investigators. The net variation of almost half a unit magnitude implies a resizing of the seismogenic source of the event in the frame of the seismotectonics of the region, and highlights the strong need for a systematic revision of the instrumental magnitude estimates for several ‘historical’ earthquakes that occurred at the dawning of the instrumental seismology.

Analysis of the 2016–2018 fluid-injection induced seismicity in the High Agri Valley (Southern Italy) from improved detections using template matching

Improving the capability of seismic network to detect weak seismic events is one of the timeless challenges in seismology: the greater is the number of detected and locatable seismic events, the greater insights on the mechanisms responsible for seismic activation may be gained. Here we implement and apply a single-station template matching algorithm to detect events belonging to the fluid-injection induced seismicity cluster located in the High Agri Valley, Southern Italy, using the continuous seismic data stream of the closest station of the INSIEME network. To take into account the diversity of waveforms, albeit belonging to the same seismic cluster, eight different master templates were adopted. Afterwards, using all the stations of the network, we provide a seismic catalogue consisting of 196 located earthquakes, in the magnitude range − 1.2 ≤ Ml ≤ 1.2, with a completeness magnitude Mc = − 0.5 ± 0.1. This rich seismic catalogue allows us to describe the damage zone of a SW dipping fault, characterized by a variety of fractures critically stressed in the dip range between ~ 45° and ~ 75°. The time-evolution of seismicity clearly shows seismic swarm distribution characteristics with many events of similar magnitude, and the seismicity well correlates with injection operational parameters (i.e. injected volumes and injection pressures).

Gutenberg–Richter B-Value Time Series Forecasting: A Weighted Likelihood Approach

We introduce a novel approach to estimate the temporal variation of the b-value parameter of the Gutenberg–Richter law, based on the weighted likelihood approach. This methodology allows estimating the b-value based on the full history of the available data, within a data-driven setting. We test this methodology against the classical “rolling window” approach using a high-definition Italian seismic catalogue as well as a global catalogue of high magnitudes. The weighted likelihood approach outperforms competing methods, and measures the optimal amount of past information relevant to the estimation.

Statistics of seismicity to investigate the Campi Flegrei caldera unrest

The knowledge of the dynamic of the Campi Flegrei calderic system is a primary goal to mitigate the volcanic risk in one of the most densely populated volcanic areas in the world. From 1950 to 1990 Campi Flegrei suffered three bradyseismic crises with a total uplift of 4.3 m. After 20 years of subsidence, the uplift started again in 2005 accompained by a low increment of the seismicity rate. In 2012 an increment in the seismic energy release and a variation in the gas composition of the fumaroles of Solfatara (in the central area of the caldera) were recorded. Since then, a slow and progressive increase in phenomena continued until today. We analyze the INGV - Osservatorio Vesuviano seismic catalogue of Campi Flegrei from 2000 to 2020 in order to look for any variation in the seismic parameters and compare them with geochemical monitored ones. A remarkable correlation between independent variables of earthquake cumulative number, CO/CO2 values and vertical ground deformation reveals a likely common origin. Moreover the correlation between all the variables here analysed enlightens that the same origin can cause the temporal behavior of all these variables. We interpret the seismological, geochemical and geodetic observable in terms of the injection of magmatic fluids into the hydrothermal system or its pressurization.

Enahancing the detail on low-level seismicity and swarms in central-southern Italy by template matching

<p> </p><p>During the seismic sequence which followed the devastating L’Aquila 2009 earthquake, on 27 May 2009 the OGS (Istituto Nazionale di Oceanografia e di Geofisica Sperimentale) and the GeosisLab (Laboratorio di Geodinamica e Sismogenesi, Chieti-Pescara University) installed a temporary seismometric network around the Sulmona Basin, a high seismic risk area of Central Italy located right at SE of the epicentral one. This area of the central Apennines is generally characterized by low level seismicity organized in low energy clusters, but it experienced destructive earthquakes both in historical and in early instrumental time (Fucino 1915 =XI MCS, Majella 1706 =X-XI MCS, Barrea 1984 =VIII MCS).</p><p>From the 27 May 2009 to 22 November 2011, the temporary network provided a huge amount of continuous seismic recordings, and a seismic catalogue covering the first seven months of network operation (-1.5≤M<sub>L</sub>≤3.7, with a completeness magnitude of 1.1) and a spatial area that stretches from the Sulmona Basin to Marsica-Sora area. Aiming to enhance the detection of microearthquakes reported in this catalogue, we applied the matched-filter technique (MFT) to continuous waveforms properly integrated with data from permanent stations belonging to the national seismic network. Specifically, we used the open-source seismological package PyMPA to detect microseismicity from the cross-correlation of continuous data and templates. As templates we used only the best relocated events of the available seismic catalogue. Starting from 366 well located earthquakes<strong> </strong>we obtain a new seismic catalogue of 6084 new events (-2<M<sub>L</sub><4) lowering the completeness magnitude to 0.2. To these new seismic locations, we applied a declustering method to separate background seismicity from clustered seismicity in the area. All the seismicity shows a bimodal behaviour in term of distribution of the nearest-neighbor distance/time with the presence of two statistically distinct earthquake populations. We focused the attention on two of these clusters (C1 and C2) that numerically represent the 60% of the catalogue. They consist in 2619 and 995 events, respectively, with magnitude -2.0<M<sub>L</sub><3.6 and -0.5<M<sub>L</sub><3.2 occurred in Marsica-Sora area. C1 shows the typical characteristics of a seismic swarm, without a clear mainshock, but with 8 more energetic events (3.0≤M<sub>L</sub>≤3.5); the temporal evolution is very articulated with a total duration of one month with different bursts of seismicity and characteristic time extension of approximately one week. C2 instead has a different space-time evolution and consists of different swarm-like seismic sequences more discontinuous in comparison with C1. These swarms are described in greater detail to investigate the influence of overpressurized fluids and their space-time distribution.</p>

Focal parameter analysis of earthquakes of the S-SE of the Iberian Peninsula (1900-1923)

<p>The aim of this study is to make a review, actualization and homogenization of the seismic parameters of the Seismic Catalogue of the National Seismic Network of Spain, which belongs to the National Geographic Institute. Our analysis focusses on the region that spans from 36.0 to 39.5° N and from 3.25° W to 1° E, which is a seismically very active region. The studied time period refers to earthquakes occurred between 1900 and 1923, where most information comes from macroseismic data and macroseismic effects.</p><p>The study begins by searching and collecting information from seismic bulletins and seismic catalogues, seismograms, seismic surveys, photographs, specific studies, historical newspapers and different digital archives. Then, the achieved information from all the different sources were reviewed and, whenever possible, the seismic parameters such as localization, seismic intensity and magnitude were recalculated.</p><p>The objective of this work is, from one hand, to establish the study methodology that allow to develop an overall review of all the earthquakes occurred in Spain from 1900 to date, and on the other hand, to provide good quality seismic data (improving the completeness and homogeneity of this seismic catalogue). Seismic data is important because it is used to make seismic hazard maps, studies of seismic risk, to update the seismic building standards and it is also used to make seismic characterization of the territory.</p>

GIS applications in volcano monitoring: the study of seismic swarms at the Campi Flegrei volcanic complex, Italy

Campi Flegrei caldera (Southern Italy) is one of the most hazardous volcanic complexes in the world since it is located inside the densely inhabited urban district of Naples-Pozzuoli. In the past, the caldera has produced devastating to moderate eruptions and periodically undergoes from strong to minor uplift episodes, named “bradyseism”, almost always accompanied by seismic swarms. Starting from 2005 Campi Flegrei has undergone an unrest crisis, characterized by ground uplift, localized gas emissions and seismicity, often occurring in seismic swarms. As a consequence, the monitoring activities have been progressively increasing, producing a huge amount of data, difficult to manage and match. GIS (Geographical Information System) represents a potent tool to manage great quantity of data, coming from different disciplines. In this study, we show two GIS technology applications to the seismic catalogue of Campi Flegrei. In the first one, a high-quality dataset is extracted from the GeoDatabase addressed to seismological studies that require high precision earthquake locations. In the second application, GIS are used to extract, visualize and analyse the typical seismic swarms of Campi Flegrei. Moreover, density and seismic moment distribution maps were generated for these swarms. In the last application, the GIS allow to highlight a clear variation in the temporal trend of the seismic swarms at Campi Flegrei.

Statistics of Seismicity to Investigate the Campi Flegrei Caldera Unrest

The knowledge of the dynamic of the Campi Flegrei calderic system is a primary goal to mitigate the volcanic risk in one of the most densely populated volcanic areas in the world. From 50s to 80s Campi Flegrei suffered three bradyseismic crises with a total uplift of almost 4.3 m. After a period of subsidence of 20 years, the uplift started again in 2005 accompanied by a low increment in the seismicity rate. In 2012 an increment in the seismic energy release and a variation in the gas composition of the fumaroles of Solfatara (in the central area of the 1 caldera) were recorded. Since then, a slow and progressive increase in phenomena continued until today. We analyze the seismic catalogue of Campi Flegrei from 2000 to 2020 collected by INGV-Osservato-rio Vesuviano to look for any variation in the seismic parameters and compare them with geochemical monitored ones. A remarkable correlation between independent variables as earthquake cumulative number, CO/CO 2 values and vertical ground deformation reveals a likely common origin. The interpretation of the seismological, geochemical and geodetical observable brings back to the injection of magmatic fluids into the hydrothermal system or its pressurization.

Recent faulting along Gorontalo fault based on seismicity data analysis and lineament mapping

We focused our study to characterize the geometry and activity of Gorontalo fault. We analysed reviewed the ISC seismic catalogue and the BMKG relocated earthquake events available for the time period of 1960 to 2021, located along the expected location of this fault. In addition, we analysed continuous record from local seismic observatory available for the same period. Further, we mapped the lineaments using 8.3-m resolution DEMNAS data. Tens on shallow earthquakes occurred in the vicinity of this fault with a range magnitude of M 2 to 3. Our lineament analysis however does not reveal distinctive pattern that may indicate the fault manifestation at the surface. The NW-SE trending lineaments are coincidence with the mapped trace of Gorontalo Fault. The weak surface manifestation of the fault scarp may be related to the tropical climatic condition of the area which may obliterate the faulting topography. However, we observed alignment of the seismicity distribution with the mapped NW-SE lineament, indicating that the lineament is likely representing active fault and these earthquakes are associated with faulting along this fault. Our study provide indication that the Gorontalo Fault is active and further study is necessary to investigate subsurface geometry and mitigate its seismic hazards.