Unraveling the Seismic Source in Archaeoseismology: A Combined Approach on Local Site Effects and Geochemical Data Integration

Archaeoseismological research often deals with two unresolved questions: the magnitude
and level of damage caused by past earthquakes, and the precise location of the seismic source.
We propose a comprehensive review of an integrated approach that combines site effects with the
analysis of geochemical data in the field of archaeoseismology. This approach aims to identify active
buried faults potentially related to the causative seismic source and provide insights into earthquake
parameters. For each integrated method, we report the foundational principles, delineation of
theoretical field procedures, and exemplification through two case studies. Site effects analysis in
archaeoseismology assumes a pivotal role in unraveling historical seismic occurrences. It enables
estimating the earthquake magnitude, assessing the seismotectonic patterns, and determining the
resulting damage level. Valuable data related to earthquake parameters can be extracted by analyzing
vibration frequencies and acceleration measurements from structures within archaeological sites.
This information is instrumental in characterizing seismic events, evaluating their impact on ancient
structures, and enhancing our understanding of earthquake hazards within the archaeological context.
Geochemical investigations supply indispensable tools for identifying buried active faults. The analysis
of fluids and gases vented in proximity to faults yields valuable insights into their nature, activity,
and underlying mechanisms. Faults often manifest distinctive geochemical imprints, enabling the
differentiation between tectonically active and volcanically related fault systems. The presence of
specific gases can further serve as indicators of the environmental conditions surrounding these fault
networks. Integrating site effects analysis and geochemical investigations within archaeoseismological
research is crucial to improving our understanding of unknown past earthquakes. Moreover, it
enhances the seismic hazard assessment of the region under study.

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