Statistical seismology: preface to the topical issue

It is widely recognized that Seismology, the quantitative study of which started in the 19th century, has not yet achieved the ambitious target of predicting time, place and intensity of strong earthquakes in such a way as to allow concrete actions to mitigate their disastrous effects. This is mainly due to the intrinsic non-linear and chaotic nature of the earthquake process. In lack of any kind of physics-based and deterministic prediction, seismologists have applied statistical models for seismic hazard assessment that could be useful for earthquake mitigation measures of prevention.