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On the Monitoring of Small Islands Belonging to the Aeolian Archipelago by MT-InSAR Data
No full textThe aim of the present work is to evaluate the performance of several MT-InSAR techniques based on satellite SAR data in monitoring ground deformation phenomena affecting complex scenarios such as small islands of volcanic origin. To such purpose, PS, SBAS and IPTA approaches are applied in the study of Lipari, Salina and Vulcano islands belonging to the Aeolian archipelago, southern Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy. The outcomes retrieved from each technique are then discussed in terms of intrinsic features, spatial coverage, linear trend and coherence. Moreover, the accuracy of PS, SBAS and IPTA results are evaluated by comparison with in-situ measurements from the GNSS network managed by INGV-OE and private operators considering different metrics. Experimental results show that in this case there is no preferred MT-InSAR technique in an absolute way but each of them has strengths and drawbacks that have to be taken into account in the monitoring of complex scenarios.PublishedJCR Journa
Debris Flows and Ground Deformation at Colli Albani Hills Volcano (Italy)
No full textColli Albani Hills, a volcanic complex located 20 km SE of Roma (Italy), represents a long-dormant caldera system and its last eruption is dated back * 20 ky. It is subjected to seismic swarms, gaseous emissions and ground deformations. The whole volcanic complex is affected by landslides of different typologies and in the past the most frequent were debris flows. In this study, for the first time, the debris flows susceptibility of the complex is mapped through a heuristic approach that combines parameters recognized in literature as the main predisposing factors to slope instability. Such parameters are morphometry elements, lithology and land cover. The resulting map, validated through historical landslides, classifies the entire complex according to five degrees of susceptibility, identifying Tuscolano-Artemisio caldera edge, Mt. Faete, and steep slopes of Nemi and Albano lakes at high and very high susceptibility. The instability of the entire complex is further investigated measuring the ground deformations observed by using InSAR data in the period 2016-2023. InSAR results, validated through GNSS data, show the overall stability of the complex, except a few areas. In detail, an ongoing uplift of about 1.5 mm/yr is recorded in Genzano di Roma municipality. The InSAR results combined with the debris flows susceptibility map and historical landslides highlight the steep slopes of Albano and Nemi lakes and Giulianello locality, outside the caldera, as the areas potentially most predisposed to trigger debris flows as classified at very high susceptibility and affected by both ground deformations and historical debris flows.PublishedJCR Journa
GeoChem: a volcanic data model for solid and gas samples
No full textIn recent decades, advances in analytical chemistry and the development of sampling and measurement techniques in different geochemical spheres have significantly increased the amount and kinds of available data. However, to optimise their usefulness, geochemical data must be reproducible and reusable, and collection and analysis methodologies must be transparent. At the European level, the need for a comprehensive conceptual database arose among the geochemistry community that contains the broad range of geochemical data describing gas and rocks obtained by in situ and/or laboratory analyses. In particular, the lack of data and metadata standards has made it difficult and sometimes impossible to compare and integrate between different and similar geochemical observations. With the aim of supporting the geochemistry community in starting to use a common language, here we propose a data model for geochemical data (GeoChem) that incorporates the fields already standardised by the scientific community (e.g. IGSN sample code). GeoChem enables managing diverse types of geochemical data and is compliant with research infrastructures dealing with Earth Sciences such as EPOS (European Plate Observing System) at the European level. Unlike the existing databases, our data model not only provides a standard schema to represent geochemical data of a diverse nature, but it also offers a tool to efficiently organise data in a way such that researchers can track every data detail starting from original sample (sample description, sampling site, sampling date, etc.) to the kind of analyses performed and the derived information. Further, our proposed data and metadata model aims at promoting data FAIRness and thus, the Open Science paradigm, at the national and European level as well as the scientific collaboration and networking among the European volcanological community.PublishedJCR Journa
The hypothesis of the 1513/1514 very large earthquake in the East Anatolian Fault Zone: rise and weakness
No full textMost of the scientific literature on the Eastern Anatolian Fault Zone (EAFZ) mentions a very large earthquake occurring in 1513 or 1514, presumably in the Pazarcik segment. This earthquake could play an important role in the assessment of the EAFZ seismogenic potential, provided its parameters were reliable. However, these parameters have a flimsy historical basis: just a few words of a letter sent from Damascus to Venice in March 1514, reporting severe damage in three towns in south-eastern Anatolia, one of which is hundreds kilometres away from the other two. Despite extensive research into contemporary and later historical sources and the history of monumental buildings of the three towns, we have found no evidence of damage/restoration to monuments predating 1513/1514 in the affected sites. Nor are there mentions of earthquake effects elsewhere in Anatolia and surrounding countries. Contemporary reports—mostly concerned with the 1514/1517 wars between the Ottoman, Safavid and Mamluk empires—make no mention of this earthquake or of any hindrances which its aftermath might have caused to troops marching through the allegedly devastated region (e.g. with regard to procuring supplies and shelter, or to travel difficulties due to damage to road infrastructures, landslides and the like). At the current state of knowledge, we suggest that the only available earthquake description may be either unwittingly overestimated, or possibly a conflation of two smaller earthquakes, with different epicentral locations.PublishedJCR Journa
Transient Dynamics in Particle‐laden Density Currents: Insights Into Dilute Pyroclastic Density Current Runout
No full textPyroclastic density currents (PDCs) are complex, multiphase systems where density strati cation controls the ows' mixing, deposition, and runout, presenting signi cant challenges in hazard forecasting. In dilute PDCs, a decrease in density leads to buoyancy reversal as the mixture becomes lighter than the surrounding uid and transforms into a thermal. Many numerical and analytical models make the simplifying assumption of vertically well-mixed currents. To investigate the in uence of density strati cation, we performed 3D multiphase ow simulations that reproduce laboratory experiments. All currents develop self-similar velocity pro les. However, buoyant currents exhibit minimum density at the nose, whereas nonbuoyant currents display a typical Rousean density strati cation. This distinction is determined by the dynamic interplay between density strati cation and thermal buoyancy, which consequently governs the ow runout. Our ndings indicate that uid buoyancy prolongs particle settling, enhances vertical mixing, and minimizes lateral spreading, consistent with experimental ndings. The bulk Richardson number, however, fails to accurately describe the entrainment coef cient of these ows through the well-known scaling derived from turbidity currents, thereby underscoring a need to reassess the parameterization applied in depth-averaged models. These models, used for simulating dilute PDCs, need to account for their highly transient nature to reliably assess their hazards
“Taboo di Terra - GeoMeraviglie”: un gioco educativo sui fenomeni naturali
No full text“Earth Taboo ‐ GeoWonders” (or Taboo di Terra ‐ GeoMeraviglie) is a serious educational game aimed
at engaging high school students in understanding the role of geosciences and natural phenomena in
shaping the planet, while providing a fun and interactive learning experience. Inspired by the classic
word game “Taboo”, players guess geological terms based on clues without mentioning certain
forbidden words.
The game unfolds in two phases. In the first, students are guided by geoscientists to guess terms from
three thematic categories: “Phenomena”, “Earth”, and “Society”. Teams earn points for each correct
guess, creating a competitive yet educational environment.
What sets Earth Taboo apart from traditional Taboo is its second phase, which centers around a
discussion of “unexpected” or unfamiliar words. This is the game’s most innovative feature,
encouraging students to explore the connections between these words and geoscience concepts. By
linking everyday language with scientific terms, players develop critical thinking skills and a deeper
understanding of the subject matter.
Earth Taboo has evolved through multiple tests and refinements into a dynamic educational tool,
combining fun with learning. The experience is further enriched by thematic seminars, which equip
participants with foundational knowledge and enable them to engage with the game on a deeper level.
In blending gaming with scientific education, Earth Taboo not only fosters a greater appreciation for
Earth’s natural processes but also encourages students to reflect on the importance of these
phenomena in the broader context of the planet’s equilibrium.PublishedOS: Terza missioneN/A or not JC
3-D Mantle Flow and Structure of the Mediterranean From Combined P-Wave and Splitting Intensity Anisotropic Tomography
No full textWe present a novel three-dimensional anisotropic seismic tomography model of the Mediterranean region, achieved through the simultaneous inversion of P-wave travel-times and SKS splitting intensity. This dual approach has allowed us to obtain a comprehensive tomographic model that not only delineates the primary structural features of the area but also sheds light on its tectonic evolution. Our findings reveal that the isotropic component of the model is dominated by fast anomalies associated with retreating, stagnant, and detached slab segments including the Alboran, Apennine, and Alpine slabs in the central and western Mediterranean, and the Dinaric, Carpathian, and Hellenic slabs in the east. Slower mantle structures are associated with slab windows and back-arc basin formation, such as those observed in the Tyrrhenian, Apennine and Hellenic regions. The recovered anisotropic patterns provide crucial insights into the tectonic history of the Mediterranean, highlighting periods of collision and tectonic relaxation. Notably, we observe a range of plunge angles, with both near-horizontal and steeply dipping anisotropic fabrics present in different regions, reflecting the influence of horizontal and vertical asthenospheric flow. By interpreting the high-velocity zones as subducting lithosphere, we construct a detailed 3-D model of the main slabs and analyzed the surrounding Pwave anisotropic patterns. This work represents the first comprehensive anisotropic tomography study of the entire Mediterranean region. Plain Language Summary This study presents a new 3-D model of the deep structure of the Mediterranean region, offering a clearer understanding of the tectonic evolution of the area. Unlike previous research, which assumed the Earth's mantle behaves the same in all directions, our study takes into account its anisotropic nature, where the mantle's properties vary depending on the direction seismic waves travel through it. By combining different types of seismic data, the study reveals intricate interactions between tectonic plates, including the subduction of some plates and the extension or fragmentation of others. The findings highlight significant tectonic features, such as the Alboran, Apennine, and Alpine slabs in the central and western Mediterranean, and the Dinaric, Carpathian, and Hellenic slabs in the east. The study also reveals important mantle dynamics, including horizontal and vertical flow patterns, slab detachment, and volcanic processes. This research provides a deeper insight into the Mediterranean's geological history and the forces that continue to shape the region.PublishedJCR Journa
AN EXPERIMENTAL CAMPAIGN TO OBSERVE FLOATING PLASTIC USING A MULTI-SENSOR STRATEGY
No full textThis study is to describe the aggregated platic experiment carried out in July 2024 in the framework of the Italian Ministry of Research (MUR) funded project ECOMARE. The experiment is about the observation of aggregated plastic targets deployed in a South Italy lake using drone-based optical sensors and collocated satellite X-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery acquired by the Italian Cosmo-SkyMed Second Generation (CSG) constellation using the very high resolution dual-polarimetric SpotLight mode. Experimental results show that the aggregated plastic results in a well-distinguishable signature in the optical imagery that makes them distinguishable from natural floating debris. Nonnegligible hints of signals associated to the floating plastic appear also in both the co-and the cross-polarized channels of the CSG SAR scene
Building Resilience: Youth Learning Through Earthquake Shaking Simulations
No full textThis paper illustrates how youth education can foster resilience and promote risk awareness through interactive learning. It presents Shake It!, an engaging, hands-on educational module designed for middle school students that integrates risk education with experiential activities. The module begins with an introduction to structural components, construction materials, and seismic behaviour. Students then engage in experiential learning by building and testing models on educational shaking tables. Through this process, they explore key concepts such as building vulnerability, resonance, and earthquake-resistant constructions. The central message is that building response to earthquakes can be understood through hands-on learning, and that effective protection is achievable, making the engagement of younger generations in resilience education a key step toward building safer communities. Shake It! has been successfully tested with several hundred students, both during open days at the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology and in classroom settings. The activity consistently receives positive feedback for its ability to actively involve students and effectively raise awareness about earthquake risks in an accessible way that enhances retention.PublishedOS: Terza missioneJCR Journa
Volcano-tectonic seismicity and related hazard: a component of the multi-hazard assessment in the highly exposed region of Mt. Etna (Italy)
No full textIn this study, seismic hazard, a component of the multi-hazard assessment studied in the framework of the PANACEA project, was performed following the probabilistic approach (PSHA) based on historical macroseismic data. This approach uses intensity site observations to compute the seismic history for each investigated locality. Site seismic histories completeness are improved the integrating observed intensities with "virtual" values calculated according to attenuation laws, starting from the earthquake parameters (epicentre and epicentral intensity). The probability distribution of the expected intensities at a given site is calculated for exposure times of 10, 30 and 50 years. Results are given as reference intensity and peak ground acceleration for a chosen exceeding probability. In order to obtain hazard also in terms of expected peak ground acceleration (PGA) a relation between macroseismic intensity and ground acceleration calibrated for Mt. Etna was also developed. A PGA value was predicted for each intensity site observation using a specific ground motion model for Mt. Etna shallow events, assuming a soil class A. We tested the performance of the obtained relationship through synthetic and observed PGAs associated with the most energetic seismic event instrumentally recorded at Etna. Finally, the probability distribution for PGA at the site for a given exposure time results from the combination of the corresponding seismic hazard curve for the macroseismic intensity and the specific local intensity-PGA relationship.PublishedOST2 Deformazione e Hazard sismico e da maremotoJCR Journa