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Examples of Rupture Patterns of the 2023, Mw 7.8 Kahramanmaraş Surface-Faulting Earthquake, Türkiye
No full textField surveys focused on detailed mapping and measurements of coseismic surface ruptures
along the causative fault of the 6 February 2023, Mw 7.8 Kahramanmaraş earthquake.
The aim was filling gaps in the previously available surface-faulting trace, validating
the accuracy of data obtained from remote sensing, refining fault offset estimates, and
gaining a deeper understanding of both the local and overall patterns of the main rupture
strands. Measurements and observations confirm dominating sinistral strike-slip movement.
An integrated and comprehensive slip distribution curve shows peaks reaching
over 700 cm, highlighting the near-fault expressing up to 70% of the deep net offset. In
general, the slip distribution curve shows a strong correlation with the larger north-eastern
deformation of the geodetic far field dislocation field and major deep slip patches. The
overall rupture trace is generally straight and narrow with significant geometric complexities
at a local scale. This results in transtensional and transpressional secondary structures,
as multi-strand positive and negative tectonic flowers, hosting different patterns of
the mole-tracks at the outcrop scale. The comprehensive and detailed field survey allowed
characterizing the structural framework and geometric complexity of the surface faulting,
ensuring accurate offset measurements and the reliable interpretation of both morphological
and geometric features.PublishedOST2 Deformazione e Hazard sismico e da maremotoOST3 Vicino alla fagliaJCR Journa
Fe-rich filamentary textures reveal timescales of magmatic interaction before the onset of high-energy explosive events at basaltic volcanoes
No full textFe-rich filamentary textures are almost ubiquitous in products from explosive eruptions at basaltic volcanoes and, in particular, they characterize the groundmass of ash and lapilli emitted during high-energy events. Here, we present a multidisciplinary study integrating petrological analyses with computational fluid dynamics simulations to propose a new mechanism responsible for their formation. Detailed textural and compositional features of Fe-rich filaments were examined in the products of explosive eruptions with different intensities from Stromboli and Etna (Italy) volcanoes. Results reveal that they represent compositional boundary layers developed at the plagioclase-melt interface in response to the interaction between magmas with different compositions and volatile contents. Numerical simulations indicate that boundary layers can detach from crystals and disperse into resident melts due to their higher density and can survive as metastable melts for some days under magmatic conditions. We suggest that Fe-rich filaments testify to the recharging of deep magma a few days before high-energy explosive events at basaltic open-vent volcanoes, even when primitive magmas are not erupted.PublishedN/A or not JC
Output of Volcanic SO2 Gases and Their Dispersion in the Atmosphere: The Case of Vulcano Island, Aeolian Archipelago, Italy
No full textGases emitted from active volcanic systems constitute a primary natural source of
global atmospheric pollution. Atmospheric sulfur dioxide (SO2) concentrations were monitored
using a near-continuous network based on Scan-DOAS (Differential Optical Absorption
Spectroscopy) technology. Complementary intermittent measurements were performed using
a UV Thermo® analyzer deployed at fixed locations and along predefined transects on the
island. SO2 flux data derived from the Scan-DOAS measurements, coupled with atmospheric
dispersion maps generated using the AERMOD modeling software, enabled the estimation of
SO2 distribution across the volcanic crater region and inhabited areas of the island, including
Vulcano Village and Vulcano Piano. The results of the estimation of SO2 concentration in
the atmosphere, integrated with the dispersion modeling, exhibited consistency with direct
SO2 concentration measurements obtained by the Thermo® analyzer, demonstrating coherence
between the two methodologies, although some overestimations of ambient SO2 were
noted. This study provided valuable insights into areas with anomalous SO2 concentrations
exceeding the threshold limits established by theWorld Health Organization (WHO) and the
European Union (EU). These limits are generally exceeded in the crater zone and surrounding
areas. The findings also highlighted the influence of prevailing winds and the temporal
variations in volcanic degassing activity observed over the preceding 17 years, characterized
by four periods of unrest degassing with SO2 emission rates from the summit solfataric area
reaching up to 250 tonnes per day (td−1).PublishedJCR Journa
Future eruptions of the Kolumbo volcanic field: prognosis with hazard and risk assessment
No full textPublishedJCR Journa
How to raise awareness of seismic risk? Lessons learned from case studies within European Projects
No full textAwareness of at-risk population is a cornerstone of disaster risk management, and effective strategies should integrate sustainability to ensure long-term impact. While hazard and risk assessments are essential for prevention, their success is greatly enhanced when exposed communities are adequately informed. This article presents lessons learned and follow-up insights into seismic hazard and risk awareness from case studies of two European projects-UPStrat-MAFA (Urban Disaster Prevention Strategies using Macroseismic Fields and Fault Sources) and KnowRISK (Know your city, Reduce seismic risk through non-structural elements). The discussion focuses on the rationale behind the selection of target audiences, how messages were adapted to meet diverse needs, and which educational tools were developed to address specific contexts. These experiences provided insights that were applied in national and international initiatives. Reflecting on experiences gained through European collaborations, this overview helps refine communication approaches and offers guidance for improving future earthquake risk mitigation efforts.PublishedOS: Terza missioneN/A or not JC
LATE BRONZE AGE COLLAPSE AT USTICA ISLAND (SICILY - ITALY): THE DROUGHT HYPOTHESIS
No full textUstica is a small island in the southern Tyrrhenian Sea (Fig. 1), with a long history dating back to the Neolithic, in the 6th millennium Before Common Era (BCE). Its historical trajectory closely follows that of Sicily, particularly Palermo, located only about 30 nautical miles away. During the Middle Bronze Age (MBA), Ustica was densely inhabited. The largest settlement of that period was Villaggio dei Faraglioni, which, after about two centuries of intense activity, was suddenly abandoned around 1250-1200 BCE (Spatafora, 2009; Spatafora & Mannino, 2008). Thereafter, the island remained uninhabited for a long time, until a new settlement was established at Rocca della Falconiera in the third century BCE. This prolonged phase of abandonment is difficult to explain, as it coincides with the Phoenician and Greek colonization of Sicily, despite Ustica's strategic location along trade routes connecting the Etruscans and Sardinia (Spatafora & Mannino, 2008). Several hypotheses have been put forward to explain Ustica's abandonment during the Late Bronze Age, primarily attributing it to a sudden natural catastrophe, such as an earthquake, or an unexpected invasion and subsequent looting (Spatafora & Mannino, 2008). However, the catastrophe hypothesis is contradicted by archaeological evidence, which shows no signs of significant structural damage to the village's defensive walls and huts, no massive destruction of pottery, and no evidence of extensive fire (Foresta Martin & Furlani, 2021).PublishedN/A or not JC
Linking eruptive style with pore network geometry in tephritic/ basanitic tephra from the 2021 Tajogaite eruption (Canary Islands, Spain)
No full textInvestigating the textural properties and 3D geometry of the connected pore network in volcanic products provides insight into magma ascent processes, due to their influence on magma permeability, outgassing efficiency and explosivity. Here, we used X-ray computed microtomography to investigate vesicle textures in tephra from the 2021 Tajogaite eruption (La Palma, Spain) and the relationship between these pore network parameters and eruptive style. We report a 3D dataset of pore network parameters for lapilli clasts collected throughout the eruption, associated with different eruptive styles (ashrich jets, lava fountains, Strombolian activity). In clasts from Strombolian activity, the lower vesicle number density (VND) and tortuosity factor (m) suggests that there are fewer vesicles and that the channels which connect them are less tortuous than in clasts from fountain and ash-rich jet activity, favouring a lower degree of gas-melt coupling and thus, more efficient outgassing. Instead, for clasts of lava fountain and ash-rich jet activity, the higher VND and m suggest a higher number of vesicles connected by more tortuous channels, promoting some degree of gas-melt coupling and thus, less efficient outgassing. However, in clasts from ash-rich jets, the presence of narrower channels, as suggested by the lower throat-pore size ratio, favours a greater degree of gas-melt coupling with respect to fountain activity, leading to magma fragmentation. This work highlights the importance of textural and pore network analyses in understanding eruption dynamics, and provides a case study for investigating the interplay between pore network parameters, magma permeability and ascent dynamics for low-viscosity magmas.PublishedJCR Journa
Source apportionment of major ions and trace elements in the atmospheric deposition of Palermo (Sicily, Italy)
No full textIn Palermo, (Sicily, Italy), a year-long study was conducted to analyse the chemical composition of atmospheric deposition samples. The research was carried out at four urban sites and one semi-rural site. The atmospheric deposition samples were analysed both for major ions and trace elements. Abundances of major ions, on meq L − 1 basis, followed the sequence Cl − > HCO 3 − > NO 3 − > SO 4 2− > F − > Br − for anions, and Na + > Ca 2+ > NH 4 + > Mg 2+ > K + for cations. The statistical technique of Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was used to identify the main sources of origin of some of the main species and trace elements studied. Ions such as Cl − , Na + , Br and I were attributed to the marine source, whilst NH 4 + and NO 3 − to the anthropogenic source, as well as Mo, Cd, Cu, As, Pb, Sb and V among the trace elements. On the other hand, Ca 2+ , K + , Li, Fe, Al, and Sr were mainly of crustal origin. The seawater fractions of Mg 2+ and SO 4 2− were of marine origin, whereas the non-seawater fractions of the same ions were of crustal and anthropogenic origin, respectively. Anthropogenic sources, such as internal-combustion vehicle, domestic heating, and plant emissions, must be considered for Cu, Cr, Ba, Mo, Sb, Zn, As, Ni, and V. This study produced a previously unpublished dataset on the chemical composition of atmospheric deposition that made it possible to identify the main sources influencing air quality in the metropolitan area of Palermo (Italy).PublishedJCR Journa
The Power of a Name: Toward a Unified Approach to Naming Space Weather Events
No full textOur increasing reliance on technology vulnerable to space weather effects underscores the urgent need for effective public communication about these phenomena. While scientific research thrives on precise technical language, broader public engagement necessitates a more accessible and memorable approach. This commentary advocates for developing and implementing a standardized nomenclature for geomagnetic storms, drawing parallels with established naming conventions in meteorology, astronomy, and geography. The lack of a consistent naming system hinders public awareness, preparedness, and ultimately, effective risk mitigation. We advocate providing a theoretical framework upon which a possible international working team, endorsed by the international bodies participating in the International Space Weather Coordination Forum, could initiate operations dedicated to storm naming criteria, protocols, and procedures. Plain Language Summary As the contemporary society in which we live relies more and more on technology, it is important that the public understands space weather and its potential impacts. Scientific terms can be hard to follow, so using clear and simple names, like how we name hurricanes, could help people better recognize and respond to space weather events. This article suggests creating a global system to name geomagnetic storms, led by an international team, to improve communication and preparedness.PublishedN/A or not JC