Application of new technology for ground deformation continuous detection

Abstract

A research project, developed within the framework of the activities of the “Environment and Climate” EC program and aimed at the construction of an innovative integrated device for the continuous monitoring of ground deformation, is described. The instrumentation, consisting of a long base tilt and an horizontal strain gauge, is made up of: i. a mercury tube tiltmeter (installed in November ‘96), whose vertical changes at the extremities are measured by laser sensors; ii. a wire strainmeter realised by employing high precision load cells for measuring the strain of a tungsten wire (calibration is presently in progress, and installation is expected by March-April ‘97). The test site for the prototype is the volcano observatory at Pizzi Deneri, on the north-eastern upper flank of Mt. Etna (Sicily, Italy). The principal aim of the project is to propose a new high precision technology for ground deformation continuous monitoring able to investigate, at the same site, both the horizontal and the vertical strain field components.