Problems of reliability in earthquake parameters determination from historicaI records

Abstract

Earthquake parameters determination from macroseismic data is a procedure, the reliability of whose results can be impaired by many problems related to quality, number and distribution of data. Such problems are common with ancient, sketchily documented events, but can affect even comparatively recent earthquakes. This paper presents some cases of Central Italy earthquakes, the determination of whose epicentral parameters involved problems of reliability. Not all problems can ever be completely solved. It is therefore necessary to devise ways for putting on record the uncertainty of the resulting parameters, so that future users can be aware of them.