Analysis of historical and recent earthquakes at Campi Flegrei caldera for seismic hazard evaluation

Abstract

Introduction

At Campi Flegrei about 500,000 people live on caldera and the risk associated to an eruption is very high, but its complete evaluation includes also the potential damage due to earthquakes accompanying eruptions. Moreover low-moderate energy earthquakes are also observed in volcanic active areas during quiescent periods. Generally such events are shallow and produce high intensities in the epicentral area. Today at Campi Flegrei the high housing density and economic value exposed make the area of considerable importance for mitigating seismic risk. To evaluate the effects of the earthquakes at Campi Flegrei, data are required on the location, source mechanism and damage levels of earthquakes, in addition to understanding how dynamic processes occur. A damage map of the maximum earthquake expected is proposed.