In Search of the 1654 Seismic Source (Central Italy): An Obscure, Strong, Damaging Earthquake Occurred Less than 100 km from Rome and Naples

The M6.3 earthquake that occurred in southern Lazio (Central Italy) in 1654 is the strongest
seismic event to have occurred in the area. However, our knowledge about this earthquake is scarce
and no study has been devoted to the individuation of its causative source. The main purpose of this
study is putting together all of the information available for this shock to provide reliable landmarks
to identify its seismic source. To this end, we present and discuss historical, hydrological, geological,
and seismological data, both reviewed and newly acquired. An important, novel part of this study
relies on an analysis of the coseismic hydrological changes associated with the 1654 earthquake
and on the comparison of their distribution with models of the coseismic strain field induced by a
number of potential seismogenic sources. We find more satisfactory results when imposing a lateral
component of slip to the faults investigated. In particular, oblique left-lateral sources display a better
fit between strain and hydrological signatures. Finally, the cross-analysis between the results from
modeling and the other pieces of evidence collected point to the Sora fault, with its trend variability,
as the probable causative source of the 1654 earthquake.