Detection and location analysis of the Minerbio integrated seismic network (Bologna, northern Italy)

Abstract

Detection analyses are necessary to plan microseismic networks for use in the monitoring of anthropic activities. In 2014, the Italian Ministry of Economic Development (MiSE) issued guidelines for the monitoring of microseismic activity, ground deformations, and reservoir pore pressure. In 2016, the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV) was commissioned to carry out specific investigations, aimed at assessing the guidelines applicability at the pilot site of the gas storage concession "Minerbio Stoccaggio" (Bologna). In this work, we present an overview of detection analysis, performed by the INGV team, during the experimental phase of the above mentioned guidelines. Measurements of ambient seismic noise, performed from 1 January 2018 to 31 March 2019, were used to assess detection thresholds of different configurations of the Minerbio Integrated Seismic Network (MISN). Detection analysis is particularly relevant for the Inner Domain of Detection (IDD), the crustal volume centred on the reservoir, within which it is vital to ensure the highest network performance. The results obtained in this work, validated through data recorded by the MISN during the analysed period, show that in the worst noise conditions observable in the area, the final configuration of the MISN enables localising ML ≥ 1.0 events occurring in the whole IDD, in line with the monitoring requirements prescribed by the guidelines.