http://hdl.handle.net/2122/51 Tue, 21 May 2013 20:05:02 GMT 2013-05-21T20:05:02Z http://hdl.handle.net/2122/8712 Title: Scientific review on the Complex Eikonal, and research perspectives for the Ionospheric Ray-tracing and Absorption Authors: Settimi, A.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma2, Roma, Italia; Sciacca, U.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma1, Roma, Italia; Bianchi, C.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma2, Roma, Italia Abstract: The present paper conducts a scientific review on the complex eikonal, extrapolating the research perspectives on the ionospheric ray-tracing and absorption. As regards the scientific review, the eikonal equation is expressed, and some complex-valued solutions are defined corresponding to complex rays and caustics. Moreover, the geometrical optics is compared to the beam tracing method, introducing the limit of the quasi-isotropic and paraxial complex optics approximations. Finally, the quasi-optical beam tracing is defined as the complex eikonal method applied to ray-tracing, discussing the beam propagation in a cold magnetized plasma. As regards the research perspectives, this paper proposes to address the following scientific problem: in absence of electromagnetic (e.m.) sources, consider a material medium which is time invariant, linear, optically isotropic, generally dispersive in frequency and inhomogeneous in space, with the additional condition that the refractive index is assumed varying even strongly in space. The paper continues the topics discussed by Bianchi et al. [2009], proposing a novelty with respect to the other referenced bibliography: indeed, the Joule’s effect is assumed non negligible, so the medium is dissipative, and its electrical conductivity is not identically zero. In mathematical terms, the refractive index belongs to the field of complex numbers. The dissipation plays a significant role, and even the eikonal function belongs to the complex numbers field. Under these conditions, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, suitable generalized complex eikonal and transport equations are derived, never discussed in literature. Moreover, in order to solve the ionospheric ray-tracing and absorption problems, we hint a perspective viewpoint. The complex eikonal equations are derived assuming the medium as optically isotropic. However, in agreement with the quasi isotropic approximation of geometrical optics, these equations can be referred to the Appleton-Hartree’s refractive index for an ionospheric magneto-plasma, which becomes only weakly anisotropic in the presence of Earth’s magnetic induction field. Finally, a simple formula is deduced for a simplified problem. Consider a flat layering ionospheric medium, so without any horizontal gradient. The paper proposes a new formula, useful to calculate the amplitude absorption due to the ionospheric D-layer, which can be approximately modelled by a linearized complex refractive index, because covering a short range of heights, between h1= 50 km and h2= 80 km about. Tue, 19 Mar 2013 23:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2122/8712 2013-03-19T23:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2122/8711 Title: Geochemical insight into differences in the physical structures and dynamics of two adjacent maar lakes at Mt. Vulture volcano (southern Italy) Authors: Caracausi, A.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia; Nuccio, P. M.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia; Favara, R.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia; Nicolosi, M.; Università di Palermo; Paternoster, M.; Università della Basilicata; Rosciglione, A.; Università di Palermo Abstract: We report on the first geochemical investigation of the Monticchio maar lakes (Mt. Vulture volcano, southern Italy) covering an annual cycle that aimed at understanding the characteristic features of the physical structures and dynamics of the two lakes. We provide the first detailed description of the lakes based on high-resolution CTD profiles, chemical and isotopic (H and O) compositions of the water, and the amounts of dissolved gases (e.g., He, Ar, CH4 and CO2). The combined data set reveals that the two lakes, which are separated by less than 200 m, exhibit different dynamics: one is a meromictic lake, where the waters are rich in biogenic and mantle-derived gases, while the other is a monomictic lake, which exhibits complete turnover of the water in winter and the release of dissolved gases. Our data strongly suggest that the differences in the dynamics of the two lakes are due to different density profiles affected by dissolved solutes, mainly Fe, which is strongly enriched in the deep water of the meromictic lake. A conceptual model of water balance was constructed based on the correlation between the chemical composition of the water and the hydrogen isotopic signature. Gas-rich groundwaters that feed both of the lakes and evaporation processes subsequently modify the water chemistry of the lakes. Our data highlight that no further potential hazardous accumulation of lethal gases is expected at the Monticchio lakes. Nevertheless, geochemical monitoring is needed to prevent the possibility of vigorous gas releases that have previously occurred in historical time. Mon, 31 Dec 2012 23:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2122/8711 2012-12-31T23:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2122/8710 Title: Active degassing of mantle-derived fluid: A geochemical study along the Vulture line, southern Apennines (Italy Authors: Caracausi, A.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia; Martelli, M.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia; Nuccio, P. M.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia; Paternoster, M.; Università della Basilicata; Fin, S.; Isotope Geosciences Unit, Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre, Abstract: We report the results of a geochemical study of gas emissions along a NE–SW transect in southern Italy in order to test the hypothesis that the region around Monte Vulture is affected by degassing of mantle-derived fluids through a lithospheric discontinuity. We also investigated lavas from the Monte Vulture volcano displaying 3He/4He (up to ~6.0 Ra) and Sr isotopes that are consistent with an origin inmantle that has hadminimal pollution from subducted Adriatic slab. Similar 3He/4He in fluids from around Mt. Vulture indicate that the deep volcanic systemis still degassing. Mantle-derived He occurs in fluids along the length of the Vulture line, reinforcing the hypothesis that it is a deep tectonic discontinuity along which mantle fluids and/or melts advect to the surface. The CO2/3He ratios are highly variable (2.7×108–2.15×1011) in response to processes such as gas dissolution into aquifers, addition of crustal gases and degassing fractionation. Mon, 31 Dec 2012 23:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2122/8710 2012-12-31T23:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2122/8709 Title: Noise measurements at seismic array in the drilling site of Bagnolifutura, Campi Flegrei Authors: Petrosino, S.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione OV, Napoli, Italia; Bianco, F.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione OV, Napoli, Italia; Bobbio, A.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione OV, Napoli, Italia; Castellano, M.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione OV, Napoli, Italia; Cusano, P.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione OV, Napoli, Italia; Del Pezzo, E.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione OV, Napoli, Italia; Galluzzo, D.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione OV, Napoli, Italia; La Rocca, M.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione OV, Napoli, Italia; Maiello, V.; Università degli Studi di Napoli Parthenope Abstract: In 2012 two seismic surveys were carried out in the area of Bagnolifutura (Campi Flegrei, Naples), with the aim of characterizing the properties of the seismic noise during the drilling activity performed in the framework of the Campi Flegrei Deep Drilling Project (CFDDP; https://sites.google.com/site/cfddpproject/). During the first survey, which was conducted from 2 to 4 April, before the drilling, seven broadband three-component seismometers were installed in two different array configurations. The second survey started on November 26, in concomitance with the drilling operations and fluid injection, and ended on December 5, four days after the end of the drilling, when the maximum depth of 502 m was reached. During this period seven broadband and one short-period three-component sensors were installed. A preliminary spectral analysis was performed on samples of seismic noise; moreover the root mean square of the amplitude of the signals and the polarization parameters were calculated. The preliminary results show similar spectral and polarization features for the data of the two surveys, whereas the amplitude of the seismic noise collected during the second survey is greatly influenced by the bad meteorological conditions. As future development experimental site transfer functions from Nakamura’s technique and surface wave dispersion from array techniques will be calculated to obtain the shallow crustal structure. The results corresponding to the different phases of the drilling activity will be compared, with the aim of establishing if significant variations of the medium properties have occurred during the experiment. Moreover the recorded signals will be deeply investigated in order to detect the eventual occurrence of microseismicity induced by fluid injection and to define its features. Tue, 30 Apr 2013 22:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2122/8709 2013-04-30T22:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2122/8708 Title: Remote Sensing and Geodetic Measurements for Volcanic Slope Monitoring: Surface Variations Measured at Northern Flank of La Fossa Cone (Vulcano Island, Italy) Authors: Pesci, A.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Bologna, Bologna, Italia; Teza, G.; Dipartimento di Geoscienze, Università di Padova; Casula, G.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Bologna, Bologna, Italia; Fabris, M.; Dipartimento di Architetture Urbanistica e Rilevamento, Università di Padova; Bonforte, A.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Catania, Catania, Italia Abstract: Abstract: Results of recent monitoring activities on potentially unstable areas of the NW volcano flank of La Fossa cone (Vulcano Island, Italy) are shown here. They are obtained by integration of data by aerial photogrammetry, terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) and GPS taken in the 1996–2011 time span. A comparison between multi-temporal models built from remote sensing data (photogrammetry and TLS) highlights areas characterized by ~7–10 cm/y positive differences (i.e., elevation increase) in the upper crown of the slope. The GPS measurements confirm these results. Areas characterized by negative differences, related to both mass collapses or small surface lowering, also exist. The higher differences, positive and negative, are always observed in zones affected by higher fumarolic activity. In the 2010–2012 time span, ground motions in the northern part of the crater rim, immediately above the upper part of observed area, are also observed. The results show different trends for both vertical and horizontal displacements of points distributed along the rim, with a magnitude of some centimeters, thus revealing a complex kinematics. A slope stability analysis shows that the safety factors estimated from these data do not OPEN ACCESS Remote Sens. 2013, 5 2239 indicate evidence of possible imminent failures. Nevertheless, new time series are needed to detect possible changes with the time of the stability conditions, and the monitoring has to go on. Sun, 12 May 2013 22:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2122/8708 2013-05-12T22:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2122/8707 Title: A laser scanning-based method for fast estimation of seismic-induced building deformations Authors: Pesci, A.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Bologna, Bologna, Italia; Teza, G.; Dipartimento di Geoscienze, Università di Padova; Bonali, E.; DAPT, Università di Bologna; Casula, G.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Bologna, Bologna, Italia; Boschi, E.; Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Bologna Abstract: Monitoring damaged buildings in an area where an earthquake has occurred requires the use of techniques which provide rapid and safe measurements even in emergency conditions. In particular, remote sensing techniques like terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) can satisfy these requirements, since they produce very dense point clouds in little time and also allow an accurate geometric modeling of observed buildings. Nevertheless, strong constraints on TLS data acquisition geometry, such as acquisition distance and incidence angles, typically characterize an area in seismic emergency conditions. In order to correctly interpret the data, it is necessary to estimate errors affecting TLS measurements in these critical conditions. A reliable estimation can be achieved by means of experiments and numerical simulations aimed at quantifying a realistic noise level, with emphasis on reduction of artifacts due to data acquisition, registration and modeling. This paper proposes a data analysis strategy in which TLS-based morphological maps computed as point-to-primitive differences are created. The method can be easily used for accurate surveying in emergency conditions. In order to demonstrate the proposed method in very diverse situations, it was applied to rapidly detect deformation traces in the San Giacomo Roncole Campanile (Modena), the Asinelli tower (Bologna) and the Cantalovo Church (Verona), three buildings damaged by the Mw 5.9 Emilia Romagna 2012 earthquake (Italy). 2013 International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, Inc. (ISPRS) Published by Elsevier Wed, 27 Feb 2013 23:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2122/8707 2013-02-27T23:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2122/8706 Title: DEFORMATION OF ANCIENT BUILDINGS INFERRED BY TERRESTRIAL LASER SCANNING METHODOLOGY: THE CANTALOVO CHURCH CASE STUDY (NORTHERN ITALY) Authors: Bonali, E.; DAPT, Università di Bologna; Pesci, A.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Bologna, Bologna, Italia; Casula, G.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Bologna, Bologna, Italia; Boschi, E.; Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Bologna Abstract: The study of the health of a building connects humanistic and scientific research, and a complete characterization can be achieved by integrating all the available historical documentation, architectural and metrological studies, as well as laboratory and in situ analyses of the materials. A contactless, non-invasive surveying technique such as terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) allows the acquisition of dense and accurate geometric and radiometric (electromagnetic measurements such as signal intensity) information about the observed surface of the building, which can be easily integrated with data provided by high-resolution digital imaging. The early Christian Cantalovo church was surveyed for the first time in April 2011, by means of the ILRIS-3D ER very long range scanner. The second and last survey was performed in June 2012, after the main shocks of the Emilia earthquake seismic sequence. A very long range instrument is suitable for fast, simple and independent measurements, due to its technical characteristics and, for this reason, is easily usable for accurate surveying in emergency conditions. The main results are obtained by applying a data analysis strategy based on the creation of TLS-based morphological maps computed as point-to-primitive differences, which allow the creation of a deformation map and its evolution in time. Tue, 12 Mar 2013 23:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2122/8706 2013-03-12T23:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2122/8705 Title: Rumors about the Po Valley earthquakes of 20th and 29th May 2012 Authors: La Longa, Federica; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione AC, Roma, Italia; Crescimbene, Massimo; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione AC, Roma, Italia; Camassi, Romano; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Bologna, Bologna, Italia; Nostro, Concetta; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione CNT, Roma, Italia Abstract: The history of rumours is as old as human history. Even in remote antiquity, rumours, gossip and hoax were always in circulation - in good or bad faith – to influence human affairs. Today with the development of mass media, rise of the internet and social networks, rumours are ubiquitous. The earthquakes, because of their characteristics of strong emotional impact and unpredictability, are among the natural events that more cause the birth and the spread of rumours. For this reason earthquakes that occurred in the Po valley the 20th and 29th May 2012 generated and still continue to generate a wide variety of rumours regarding issues related to the earthquake, its effects, the possible causes, future predictions. For this reason, as occurred during the L'Aquila earthquake sequence in 2009, following the events of May 2012 in Emilia Romagna was created a complex initiative training and information that at various stages between May and September 2012, involved population, partly present in the camp, and then the school staff of the municipalities affected by the earthquake. This experience has been organized and managed by the Department of Civil Protection (DPC), the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), the Emilia Romagna region in collaboration with the Network of University Laboratories for Earthquake Engineering (RELUIS), the Health Service Emilia Romagna Regional and voluntary organizations of civil protection in the area. Within this initiative, in the period June-September 2012 were collected and catalogued over 240 rumours. In this work rumours of the Po Valley are studied in their specific characteristics and strategies and methods to fight them are also discussed. This work of collection and discussion of the rumours was particularly important to promote good communication strategies and to fight the spreading of the rumours. Only in this way it was possible to create a full intervention able to supporting both the local institutions and the individuals involved to adequately address the emergence and management of organizational problems and social issues related to the earthquake. Mon, 08 Apr 2013 22:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2122/8705 2013-04-08T22:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2122/8704 Title: Seismic risk perception test Authors: Crescimbene, Massimo; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione AC, Roma, Italia; La Longa, Federica; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione AC, Roma, Italia; Camassi, Romano; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Bologna, Bologna, Italia; Pino, Nicola Alessandro; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione OV, Napoli, Italia Abstract: The perception of risks involves the process of collecting, selecting and interpreting signals about uncertain impacts of events, activities or technologies. In the natural sciences the term risk seems to be clearly defined, it means the probability distribution of adverse effects, but the everyday use of risk has different connotations (Renn, 2008). The two terms, hazards and risks, are often used interchangeably by the public. Knowledge, experience, values, attitudes and feelings all influence the thinking and judgement of people about the seriousness and acceptability of risks. Within the social sciences however the terminology of ‘risk perception’ has become the conventional standard (Slovic, 1987). The mental models and other psychological mechanisms which people use to judge risks (such as cognitive heuristics and risk images) are internalized through social and cultural learning and constantly moderated (reinforced, modified, amplified or attenuated) by media reports, peer influences and other communication processes (Morgan et al., 2001). Yet, a theory of risk perception that offers an integrative, as well as empirically valid, approach to understanding and explaining risk perception is still missing”. To understand the perception of risk is necessary to consider several areas: social, psychological, cultural, and their interactions. Among the various research in an international context on the perception of natural hazards, it seemed promising the approach with the method of semantic differential (Osgood, C.E., Suci, G., & Tannenbaum, P. 1957, The measurement of meaning. Urbana, IL: University of Illinois Press). The test on seismic risk perception has been constructed by the method of the semantic differential. To compare opposite adjectives or terms has been used a Likert’s scale to seven point. The test consists of an informative part and six sections respectively dedicated to: hazard; vulnerability (home and workplace); exposed value (with reference to population and territory); seismic risk in general; risk information and their sources; comparison between seismic risk and other natural hazards. Informative data include: Region, Province, Municipality of residence, Data compilation, Age, Sex, Place of Birth, Nationality, Marital status, Children, Level of education, Employment. The test allows to obtain the perception score for each factor: Hazard, Exposed value, Vulnerability. These scores can be put in relation with the scientific data relating to hazard, vulnerability and the exposed value. On January 2013 started a Survey in the Po Valley and Southern Apennines. The survey will be conducted via web using institutional sites of regions, provinces, municipalities, online newspapers to local spreading, etc. Preliminary data will be discussed. Improve our understanding of the perception of seismic risk would allow us to inform more effectively and to built better educational projects to mitigate risk. Mon, 08 Apr 2013 22:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2122/8704 2013-04-08T22:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2122/8703 Title: Ecomuseum itineraries, a path of rediscovery and enhancement of the territory Authors: La Longa, Federica; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione AC, Roma, Italia; Lanza, Tiziana; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione AC, Roma, Italia; Crescimbene, Massimo; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione AC, Roma, Italia Abstract: Geoethics has among its objectives to promote the recognition and enhancement of geological culture, as a wealth of knowledge that can contribute to the construction of a proper social knowledge, strengthening the link between population and territory and offering the opportunity to teach, especially the young, good behavior towards the geosphere. The work here proposed is an example of how to promote knowledge, awareness and appreciation of its territory by use of innovative and multidisciplinary educational programs; paths that allow young people to redraw the places to returning them to the communities that live there as a common heritage to be lived and protect. The experience described refers to the realization of the pilot project "Towards an Eco Museum of the Castelli Romani". The project, proposed and implemented by a group of researchers of the Laboratory of Education and Science Communication of National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) in collaboration with the Regional Park of the Castelli Romani, involved students of the Classic and Psycho-Pedagogical High School of the Mancinelli Falcone Institute of Velletri (RM). Educational activities carried out in the academic year 2009-2010, were structured on multidisciplinary training programs designed to create eco museum routes. These training programs have been grouped into three main areas (historical, archaeological and literary, geological and town planning, ecological and naturalistic) that are particularly representative of the complexity of geological and anthropological territory of the Nemi Lake. The eco-museum is a revolutionary concept compared to traditional museum because it adds to the traditional museum the social dimension. The environment is described through history, culture, landscapes, activities, society putting in relation to aspects of life, material and spiritual, and tying them to the places, territories and the culture that created them. Very often the age of globalization takes us to lose sight of the concept of place in favor of the non-place, an environment free of characteristics and boundaries. This trend, if on one hand helps to share problems and solutions related to environmental protection, other hand risks producing a variety of effects that lead communities to disown the values of their territory. Instead the experience realized takes us in an opposite direction. We believe that educational projects structured on eco museum itineraries can promote in young people an experiential path of rediscovery and enhancement of the territory (genius loci). The active techniques used in the project (dramatization, creative writing, music, etc.) favored boys in the acquisition of knowledge and skills that allow enhance of territorial resources and sharing it with the community. Mon, 08 Apr 2013 22:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2122/8703 2013-04-08T22:00:00Z