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A new view of Italian seismicity using 20 years of instrumental recordings
Language
English
Status
Published
Peer review journal
Yes
Title of the book
Issue/vol(year)
/395(2005)
Issued date
2005
Abstract
Abstract
In this paper, we show the seismicity of the past 20 years that occurred in Italy and surrounding regions. Hypocentral
locations have been obtained by using P- and S-wave arrival times from the INGV national and several regional permanent
seismic networks. More than 48,000 events, selected from an original data set of about 99,780, are used to reconstruct the most
complete seismic picture of the Italian region so far. The seismicity distribution allows inference on seismotectonics of this
complex region of subduction versus continental collision. Our results clearly reveal the geometry of the Adria and the Ionian
subduction and a continuous normal fault belt in the upper crust, following the Apennines mountain range. The depth of the
seismogenic layer is computed from the cut-off of seismicity at depth and shows large variations along and across the seismic
active regions. Earthquakes are generated by the different velocity of slab retreat and the subsequent asthenospheric upwelling.
D 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
In this paper, we show the seismicity of the past 20 years that occurred in Italy and surrounding regions. Hypocentral
locations have been obtained by using P- and S-wave arrival times from the INGV national and several regional permanent
seismic networks. More than 48,000 events, selected from an original data set of about 99,780, are used to reconstruct the most
complete seismic picture of the Italian region so far. The seismicity distribution allows inference on seismotectonics of this
complex region of subduction versus continental collision. Our results clearly reveal the geometry of the Adria and the Ionian
subduction and a continuous normal fault belt in the upper crust, following the Apennines mountain range. The depth of the
seismogenic layer is computed from the cut-off of seismicity at depth and shows large variations along and across the seismic
active regions. Earthquakes are generated by the different velocity of slab retreat and the subsequent asthenospheric upwelling.
D 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
References
References
Amato, A., Chiarabba, C., Malagnini, L., Selvaggi, G., 1992. Threedimensional
P-velocity structure in the region of the Ms=6.9
Irpinia, Italy, normal faulting earthquake. Phys. Earth Planet.
Inter. 75, 111 –119.
Anderson, H., Jackson, J., 1987. Active tectonics of the Adriatic
region. Geophys. J. R. Astron. Soc. 91, 937– 983.
Barchi, M.R., Minelli, G., Pialli, G., 1998. The CROP 03 profile: a
synthesis of results on deep structures of the northern
Apennines. Mem. Soc. Geol. Ital. 52, 383– 400.
Battaglia, M., Murray, M.H., Serpelloni, E., Burgmann, R., 2004.
The Adriatic region: an independent microplate within the
Africa–Eurasia collision zone. Geophys. Res. Lett. 31, L09605,
doi:10.1029/2004GL019723.
Boncio, P., Lavecchia, G., 2000. A geological model for the
Colfiorito earthquakes (September–October 1997, central Italy).
J. Seismol. 4, 345– 356.
Bressan, G., Snidarcig, A., Venturini, C., 1998. Present state of
tectonic stress of the Friuli area (eastern southern Alps).
Tectonophysics 292, 211 –227.
Calais, E., Nocquet, J.M., Jouanne, F., Tardy, M., 2002. Current
strain regime in the western Alps from continuous global
positioning system measurements, 1996–2001. Geology 30,
651–654.
Chiarabba, C., Amato, A., 1997. Upper crustal structure of
the Benevento Area (southern Italy): fault heterogeneities
and potential for large earthquakes. Geophys. J. Int. 130,
229–239.
Chiaraluce, L., Chiarabba, C., Cocco, M., Ellsworth, W.L., 2003.
Imaging the complexity of an active normal fault system:
the 1997 Umbria–Marche aftershocks sequence. J. Geophys.
Res. 108, doi:10.1029/2002JB002166.
CSTI Working Group, 2001. Catalogo Strumentale dei Terremoti
Italiani dal 1981 al 1996, Progetto GNDT, sottoprogetto 5.1.3,
AA.VV.
Dercourt, J., Zonenshain, L.P., Ricou, L.E., Kazmin, V.G., Le
Pichon, X., Knippe, A.L., Grandjacquet, C., Sbotshikov, I.M.,
Geyssant, J., Lepvrier, C., Pechersky, D.H., Boulin, J., Sibouet,
J.C., Savostin, L.A., Sorokhtin, O., Westphal, M., Bazhenov,
M.L., Lauer, J.P., Biju-Duval, J., 1986. Geological evolution of
the Alpine Thetys belt from the Atlantic to the Pamir since Lias.
Tectonophysics 123, 241– 315.
Devoti, R., Ferraro, C., Guegen, E., Lanotte, R., Luceri, V., Nardi,
A., Pacione, R., Rutigliano, P., Sciarretta, C., Vespe, F., 2002.
Geodetic control on recent tectonic movements in the central
Mediterranean area. Tectonophysics 346, 151–167.
Di Stefano, R., Chiarabba, C., Lucente, F., Amato, A., 1999. Crustal
and uppermost mantle structure in Italy from the inversion of
P-wave arrival times: geodynamic implications. Geophys. J. Int.
139, 483– 498.
Doglioni, C., Mongelli, F., Pieri, P., 1994. The Puglia uplift (SEItaly):
an anomaly in the foreland of the Apenninic subduction
due to the buckling of a thick continental lithosphere. Tectonics
13, 1309– 1321.
Eva, E., Solarino, S., Eva, C., Neri, G., 1997. Stress tensor
orientation derived from fault plane solutions in the western
Alps. J. Geophys. Res. 102, 8171–8185.
Frepoli, A., Selvaggi, G., Chiarabba, C., Amato, A., 1996. State of
stress in the southern Tyrrhenian subduction zone from faultplane
solutions. Geophys. J. Int. 125, 879– 891.
Galadini, F., 1999. Pleistocene changes in the central Apennine fault
kinematics: a key to decipher active tectonics in central Italy.
Tectonics 18, 877–894.
Giardini, D., Velona’, M., 1990. The deep seismicity of the
Tyrrhenian Sea. Terra Nova 3, 57– 64.
Hollenstein, H., Kahle, G., Geiger, A., Jenny, S., Goes, S., Giardini,
D., 2003. New GPS constraints on the Africa–Eurasia plate
boundary zone in southern Italy. Geophys. Res. Lett. 30, 1935,
doi:10.1029/2003GL017554.
Hunstad, I., Selvaggi, G., D’Agostino, N., England Clarke, P.,
Pierozzi, M., 2002. Geodetic strains in peninsular Italy between
1875 and 2001. Geophys. Res. Lett. 30, 1828, doi:10.1029/
2002GL016447.
Improta, L., Iannaccone, G., Capuano, P., Zollo, A., Scandone, P.,
2000. Inferences on the upper crustal structure of the southern
Apennines (Italy) from seismic refraction investigation and
subsurface data. Tectonophysics 317, 273– 297.
Kissling, E., 1993. Deep structure of the Alps—what do we really
know? Phys. Earth Planet. Inter. 79, 87–112.
Lucente, F.P., Chiarabba, C., Cimini, G.B., Giardini, D., 1999.
Tomographic constraints on the geodynamic evolution of the
Italian region. Geophys. Res. 104, 20307– 20327.
Malinverno, A., Ryan, W.B.F., 1986. Extension in the Tyrrhenian
Sea and shortening in the Apennines as result of arc migration
driven by sinking of the lithosphere. Tectonics 5, 227–245.
Margheriti, L., Lucente, F.P., Pondrelli, S., 2003. SKS splitting
measurements in the Appenninic–Tyrrhenian domains (Italy)
and their relation with Litospheric subduction and mantle
convection. J. Geophys. Res. 108 B4, 2218, doi:10.1029/
2002JB001793.
McClusky, S., Reilinger, R., Mahmoud, S., Ben Sari, D., Tealeb, A.,
2003. GPS constraints on Africa (Nubia) and Arabia plate
motions. Geophys. J. Int. 155, 126– 138.
Meletti, C., Patacca, E., Scandone, P., 2000. Construction of a
seismotectonic model: the case of Italy. Pure Appl. Geophys.
157, 11 – 35.
Mirabella, F., Pucci, S., 2002. Integration of geological and
geophysical data along a section crossing the region of the
1997–98 Umbria–Marche earthquake Italy. Boll. Soc. Geol. Ital.
1, 891– 900.
Montone, P., Amato, A., Pondrelli, S., 1999. Active stress map of
Italy. J. Geophys. Res. 104, 25595– 25610.
Pantosti, D., Valensise, G., 1990. Faulting mechanism and complexity
of the November 23, 1980, Campania–Lucania earthquake,
inferred from surface observations. J. Geophys. Res. 95,
15319– 15341.
Pantosti, D., D’Addezio, G., Cinti, F.R., 1996. Paleosesmicity of the
Ovindoli–Pezza fault, central Apennines, Italy: a history
including a large previously unrecorded earthquake in middle
age. J. Geophys. Res. 101, 5937– 5959.
Panza, G.F., 1984. Structure of the lithosphere–asthenosphere
system in the Mediterranean region. Ann. Geophys., 27– 138.
Patacca, E., Scandone, P., 1987. Segmentation and configuration of
subducted lithosphere in Italy: an important control on thrustbelt
and foredeep-basin evolution. Geology 25, 714– 717.
Patacca, E., Sartori, R., Scandone, P., 1990. Tyrrhenian basin and
Apenninic arcs: kinematic relations since late Tortonian times.
Mem. Soc. Geol. Ital. 45, 425– 451.
Piccardi, L., Gaudemer, Y., Tapponier, P., Boccaletti, M.,
1999. Active oblique extension in the central Apennines
(Italy), evidence for the Fucino region. Geophys. J. Int. 139,
499– 530.
Piccinini, D., Cattaneo, M., Chiarabba, C., Chiaraluce, L., De
Martin, M., Di Bona, M., Moretti, M., Selvaggi, G., Augliera,
P., Spallarossa, D., Ferretti, G., Michelini, A., Govoni, A., Di
Bartolomeo, P., Romanelli, M., Fabbri, J., 2003. A microseismic
study in a low seismicity area of Italy: the Citta` di Castello
2000–2001 experiment. Ann. Geophys. 46, 1315–1324.
Pino, N.A., Giardini, D., Boschi, E., 2000. The December 28,
1908 Messina straits, southern Italy, earthquake: waveform
modeling of regional seismograms. J. Geophys. Res. 105,
25473–25492.
Piromallo, C., Morelli, A., 2003. P-wave tomography of the mantle
under the Alpine–Mediterranean region. J. Geophys. Res. 108,
doi:10.1029/2002JB001757.
Pondrelli, S., Morelli, A., Ekstrfm, G., Mazza, S., Boschi, E.,
Dziewonski, A.M., 2002. European–Mediterranean regional
centroid-moment tensors: 1997–2000. Phys. Earth Planet. Inter.
130, 71–101.
Royden, L., Patacca, E., Scandone, P., 1987. Segmentation and
configuration of subducted lithosphere in Italy: an important
control on thrust-belt and foredeep-basin evolution. Geology 15
(7), 14– 717.
Scarascia, S., Lozej, A., Cassinis, R., 1994. Crustal structures of the
Ligurian, Tyrrhenian and Ionia seas and adjacent onshore areas
interpreted from wide-angle seismic profiles. Boll. Geofis. Teor.
Appl. 36, 5 – 19.
Selvaggi, G., 2001. Strain pattern of the southern Tyrrhenian slab
from moment tensors of deep earthquakes: implications on the
down-dip velocity. Ann. Geofis. 44, 155– 165.
Selvaggi, G., Amato, A., 1992. Subcrustal earthquakes in the
northern Apennines (Italy): evidence for a still active subduction?
Geophys. Res. Lett. 19, 2127– 2130.
Selvaggi, G., Chiarabba, C., 1995. Seismicity and P-wave velocity
image of the southern Tyrrhenian subduction zone. Geophys. J.
Int. 121, 818– 826.
Selvaggi, G., Ferulano, F., Di Bona, M., Frepoli, A., Azzara, R.,
Basili, A., Chiarabba, C., Ciaccio, M.G., Di Luccio, F., Lucente,
P., Margheriti, L., Nostro, C., 2001. The October 15, 1996,
reggio Emilia seismic sequence: active compression tectonics in
the Po plain Italy. Geophys. J. Int. 144, 1 – 13.
Slejko, D., Carulli, G.B., Nicolich, R., Rebez, A., Zanferrari, A.,
Cavallin, A., Doglioni, C., Carraro, F., Castaldini, D., Iliceto, V.,
Semenza, E., Zanolla, C., 1989. Seismotectonics of the eastern
southern Alps. Boll. Geofis. Teor. Appl. 31, 109– 136.
Sue, C., Tricart, P., 2002. Widespread post-nappe normal faulting
in the Internal Western Alps: a new constraint on arc dynamics.
J. Geol. Soc. (Lond.) 159, 61– 70.
Sue, C., Thouvenot, F., Frechet, J., Tricart, P., 1999. Widespread
extension in the core of western Alps revealed by earthquake
analysis. J. Geophys. Res. 104, 25611 –25622.
Westaway, R., 1992. Seismic moment summation for historical
earthquakes in Italy: tectonic implications. J. Geophys. Res. 97,
15437– 15464.
Amato, A., Chiarabba, C., Malagnini, L., Selvaggi, G., 1992. Threedimensional
P-velocity structure in the region of the Ms=6.9
Irpinia, Italy, normal faulting earthquake. Phys. Earth Planet.
Inter. 75, 111 –119.
Anderson, H., Jackson, J., 1987. Active tectonics of the Adriatic
region. Geophys. J. R. Astron. Soc. 91, 937– 983.
Barchi, M.R., Minelli, G., Pialli, G., 1998. The CROP 03 profile: a
synthesis of results on deep structures of the northern
Apennines. Mem. Soc. Geol. Ital. 52, 383– 400.
Battaglia, M., Murray, M.H., Serpelloni, E., Burgmann, R., 2004.
The Adriatic region: an independent microplate within the
Africa–Eurasia collision zone. Geophys. Res. Lett. 31, L09605,
doi:10.1029/2004GL019723.
Boncio, P., Lavecchia, G., 2000. A geological model for the
Colfiorito earthquakes (September–October 1997, central Italy).
J. Seismol. 4, 345– 356.
Bressan, G., Snidarcig, A., Venturini, C., 1998. Present state of
tectonic stress of the Friuli area (eastern southern Alps).
Tectonophysics 292, 211 –227.
Calais, E., Nocquet, J.M., Jouanne, F., Tardy, M., 2002. Current
strain regime in the western Alps from continuous global
positioning system measurements, 1996–2001. Geology 30,
651–654.
Chiarabba, C., Amato, A., 1997. Upper crustal structure of
the Benevento Area (southern Italy): fault heterogeneities
and potential for large earthquakes. Geophys. J. Int. 130,
229–239.
Chiaraluce, L., Chiarabba, C., Cocco, M., Ellsworth, W.L., 2003.
Imaging the complexity of an active normal fault system:
the 1997 Umbria–Marche aftershocks sequence. J. Geophys.
Res. 108, doi:10.1029/2002JB002166.
CSTI Working Group, 2001. Catalogo Strumentale dei Terremoti
Italiani dal 1981 al 1996, Progetto GNDT, sottoprogetto 5.1.3,
AA.VV.
Dercourt, J., Zonenshain, L.P., Ricou, L.E., Kazmin, V.G., Le
Pichon, X., Knippe, A.L., Grandjacquet, C., Sbotshikov, I.M.,
Geyssant, J., Lepvrier, C., Pechersky, D.H., Boulin, J., Sibouet,
J.C., Savostin, L.A., Sorokhtin, O., Westphal, M., Bazhenov,
M.L., Lauer, J.P., Biju-Duval, J., 1986. Geological evolution of
the Alpine Thetys belt from the Atlantic to the Pamir since Lias.
Tectonophysics 123, 241– 315.
Devoti, R., Ferraro, C., Guegen, E., Lanotte, R., Luceri, V., Nardi,
A., Pacione, R., Rutigliano, P., Sciarretta, C., Vespe, F., 2002.
Geodetic control on recent tectonic movements in the central
Mediterranean area. Tectonophysics 346, 151–167.
Di Stefano, R., Chiarabba, C., Lucente, F., Amato, A., 1999. Crustal
and uppermost mantle structure in Italy from the inversion of
P-wave arrival times: geodynamic implications. Geophys. J. Int.
139, 483– 498.
Doglioni, C., Mongelli, F., Pieri, P., 1994. The Puglia uplift (SEItaly):
an anomaly in the foreland of the Apenninic subduction
due to the buckling of a thick continental lithosphere. Tectonics
13, 1309– 1321.
Eva, E., Solarino, S., Eva, C., Neri, G., 1997. Stress tensor
orientation derived from fault plane solutions in the western
Alps. J. Geophys. Res. 102, 8171–8185.
Frepoli, A., Selvaggi, G., Chiarabba, C., Amato, A., 1996. State of
stress in the southern Tyrrhenian subduction zone from faultplane
solutions. Geophys. J. Int. 125, 879– 891.
Galadini, F., 1999. Pleistocene changes in the central Apennine fault
kinematics: a key to decipher active tectonics in central Italy.
Tectonics 18, 877–894.
Giardini, D., Velona’, M., 1990. The deep seismicity of the
Tyrrhenian Sea. Terra Nova 3, 57– 64.
Hollenstein, H., Kahle, G., Geiger, A., Jenny, S., Goes, S., Giardini,
D., 2003. New GPS constraints on the Africa–Eurasia plate
boundary zone in southern Italy. Geophys. Res. Lett. 30, 1935,
doi:10.1029/2003GL017554.
Hunstad, I., Selvaggi, G., D’Agostino, N., England Clarke, P.,
Pierozzi, M., 2002. Geodetic strains in peninsular Italy between
1875 and 2001. Geophys. Res. Lett. 30, 1828, doi:10.1029/
2002GL016447.
Improta, L., Iannaccone, G., Capuano, P., Zollo, A., Scandone, P.,
2000. Inferences on the upper crustal structure of the southern
Apennines (Italy) from seismic refraction investigation and
subsurface data. Tectonophysics 317, 273– 297.
Kissling, E., 1993. Deep structure of the Alps—what do we really
know? Phys. Earth Planet. Inter. 79, 87–112.
Lucente, F.P., Chiarabba, C., Cimini, G.B., Giardini, D., 1999.
Tomographic constraints on the geodynamic evolution of the
Italian region. Geophys. Res. 104, 20307– 20327.
Malinverno, A., Ryan, W.B.F., 1986. Extension in the Tyrrhenian
Sea and shortening in the Apennines as result of arc migration
driven by sinking of the lithosphere. Tectonics 5, 227–245.
Margheriti, L., Lucente, F.P., Pondrelli, S., 2003. SKS splitting
measurements in the Appenninic–Tyrrhenian domains (Italy)
and their relation with Litospheric subduction and mantle
convection. J. Geophys. Res. 108 B4, 2218, doi:10.1029/
2002JB001793.
McClusky, S., Reilinger, R., Mahmoud, S., Ben Sari, D., Tealeb, A.,
2003. GPS constraints on Africa (Nubia) and Arabia plate
motions. Geophys. J. Int. 155, 126– 138.
Meletti, C., Patacca, E., Scandone, P., 2000. Construction of a
seismotectonic model: the case of Italy. Pure Appl. Geophys.
157, 11 – 35.
Mirabella, F., Pucci, S., 2002. Integration of geological and
geophysical data along a section crossing the region of the
1997–98 Umbria–Marche earthquake Italy. Boll. Soc. Geol. Ital.
1, 891– 900.
Montone, P., Amato, A., Pondrelli, S., 1999. Active stress map of
Italy. J. Geophys. Res. 104, 25595– 25610.
Pantosti, D., Valensise, G., 1990. Faulting mechanism and complexity
of the November 23, 1980, Campania–Lucania earthquake,
inferred from surface observations. J. Geophys. Res. 95,
15319– 15341.
Pantosti, D., D’Addezio, G., Cinti, F.R., 1996. Paleosesmicity of the
Ovindoli–Pezza fault, central Apennines, Italy: a history
including a large previously unrecorded earthquake in middle
age. J. Geophys. Res. 101, 5937– 5959.
Panza, G.F., 1984. Structure of the lithosphere–asthenosphere
system in the Mediterranean region. Ann. Geophys., 27– 138.
Patacca, E., Scandone, P., 1987. Segmentation and configuration of
subducted lithosphere in Italy: an important control on thrustbelt
and foredeep-basin evolution. Geology 25, 714– 717.
Patacca, E., Sartori, R., Scandone, P., 1990. Tyrrhenian basin and
Apenninic arcs: kinematic relations since late Tortonian times.
Mem. Soc. Geol. Ital. 45, 425– 451.
Piccardi, L., Gaudemer, Y., Tapponier, P., Boccaletti, M.,
1999. Active oblique extension in the central Apennines
(Italy), evidence for the Fucino region. Geophys. J. Int. 139,
499– 530.
Piccinini, D., Cattaneo, M., Chiarabba, C., Chiaraluce, L., De
Martin, M., Di Bona, M., Moretti, M., Selvaggi, G., Augliera,
P., Spallarossa, D., Ferretti, G., Michelini, A., Govoni, A., Di
Bartolomeo, P., Romanelli, M., Fabbri, J., 2003. A microseismic
study in a low seismicity area of Italy: the Citta` di Castello
2000–2001 experiment. Ann. Geophys. 46, 1315–1324.
Pino, N.A., Giardini, D., Boschi, E., 2000. The December 28,
1908 Messina straits, southern Italy, earthquake: waveform
modeling of regional seismograms. J. Geophys. Res. 105,
25473–25492.
Piromallo, C., Morelli, A., 2003. P-wave tomography of the mantle
under the Alpine–Mediterranean region. J. Geophys. Res. 108,
doi:10.1029/2002JB001757.
Pondrelli, S., Morelli, A., Ekstrfm, G., Mazza, S., Boschi, E.,
Dziewonski, A.M., 2002. European–Mediterranean regional
centroid-moment tensors: 1997–2000. Phys. Earth Planet. Inter.
130, 71–101.
Royden, L., Patacca, E., Scandone, P., 1987. Segmentation and
configuration of subducted lithosphere in Italy: an important
control on thrust-belt and foredeep-basin evolution. Geology 15
(7), 14– 717.
Scarascia, S., Lozej, A., Cassinis, R., 1994. Crustal structures of the
Ligurian, Tyrrhenian and Ionia seas and adjacent onshore areas
interpreted from wide-angle seismic profiles. Boll. Geofis. Teor.
Appl. 36, 5 – 19.
Selvaggi, G., 2001. Strain pattern of the southern Tyrrhenian slab
from moment tensors of deep earthquakes: implications on the
down-dip velocity. Ann. Geofis. 44, 155– 165.
Selvaggi, G., Amato, A., 1992. Subcrustal earthquakes in the
northern Apennines (Italy): evidence for a still active subduction?
Geophys. Res. Lett. 19, 2127– 2130.
Selvaggi, G., Chiarabba, C., 1995. Seismicity and P-wave velocity
image of the southern Tyrrhenian subduction zone. Geophys. J.
Int. 121, 818– 826.
Selvaggi, G., Ferulano, F., Di Bona, M., Frepoli, A., Azzara, R.,
Basili, A., Chiarabba, C., Ciaccio, M.G., Di Luccio, F., Lucente,
P., Margheriti, L., Nostro, C., 2001. The October 15, 1996,
reggio Emilia seismic sequence: active compression tectonics in
the Po plain Italy. Geophys. J. Int. 144, 1 – 13.
Slejko, D., Carulli, G.B., Nicolich, R., Rebez, A., Zanferrari, A.,
Cavallin, A., Doglioni, C., Carraro, F., Castaldini, D., Iliceto, V.,
Semenza, E., Zanolla, C., 1989. Seismotectonics of the eastern
southern Alps. Boll. Geofis. Teor. Appl. 31, 109– 136.
Sue, C., Tricart, P., 2002. Widespread post-nappe normal faulting
in the Internal Western Alps: a new constraint on arc dynamics.
J. Geol. Soc. (Lond.) 159, 61– 70.
Sue, C., Thouvenot, F., Frechet, J., Tricart, P., 1999. Widespread
extension in the core of western Alps revealed by earthquake
analysis. J. Geophys. Res. 104, 25611 –25622.
Westaway, R., 1992. Seismic moment summation for historical
earthquakes in Italy: tectonic implications. J. Geophys. Res. 97,
15437– 15464.
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