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Probabilistic, scenario-based hazard assessment for pyroclastic density currents at Tungurahua volcano, Ecuador
No full textWe assess the volcanic hazard posed by pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) at Tungurahua volcano, Ecuador, using a probabilistic approach based on the analysis of calibrated numerical simulations. We address the expected variability of explosive eruptions at Tungurahua volcano by adopting a scenario-based strategy, where we consider three cases: violent Strombolian to Vulcanian eruption (VEI 2), sub-Plinian eruption (VEI 3), and sub-Plinian to Plinian eruption (VEI 4-5). PDCs are modeled using the branching energy cone model and the branching box model, considering reproducible calibration procedures based on the geological record of Tungurahua volcano. The use of different calibration procedures and reference PDC deposits allows us to define uncertainty ranges for the inundation probability of each scenario. Numerical results indicate that PDCs at Tungurahua volcano propagate preferentially toward W and NW, where a series of catchment ravines can be recognized. Two additional valleys of channelization are observed in the N and NE flanks of the volcano, which may affect the city of Baños. The mean inundation probability calculated for Baños is small (6 ± 3%) for PDCs similar to those emplaced during recent VEI 2 eruptions (Published84OSV1: Verso la previsione dei fenomeni vulcanici pericolosiJCR Journa
A temporary seismic network to study the seismicity of Pantelleria Island
No full textPantelleria is an active volcanic island with a fumarolic and hydrothermal activity so much so that
it represents an interesting geothermal target as it presents high temperature gradients. This
peculiarity has made it the protagonist of a project (Panta-Rei) which aims to characterise the
geothermal reservoir of the island and to assets of its geothermal potential. Following the activity
of the project we installed a temporary seismic network to enhance the monitoring of seismic
activity and characterising background seismicity. Here we describe the design and installation of
the temporary network code ‘YM’, giving also a preliminary analysis on the performance. Although
it is an active volcano, the island doesn’t show, apparently, typical volcanic-tectonic earthquakes.
However, this is due to the lack of a local seismic network to detect earthquakes from 2022
onwards. Thanks to the 4 short period stations of the YM temporary network, on the island,
currently, are installed 8 seismic stations. The four temporary sites, mainly concentrated in the
central-southern portion of the island, were chosen after a seismic survey carried out in
September 2023, performed to test the site response and to evaluate both the background noise
level and the logistics of the installations. We installed the temporary stations in march 2024, also
minimising visual impact of the solar panels and the instrumentations. All the stations are working
regularly and the data are transmitted via LTE in real time stored on a server in Naples. Our
analysis, performed on the first month of seismic data acquired, indicates that the stations of the
temporary network have low seismic noise levels compared to the reference models, indicating a
high quality of the recorded waveforms and a good potential in detecting seismic events with low
energy as well.PublishedCorfù, Greec
A probabilistic volcanic risk evaluation for the Eastern flank of Mt. Etna
No full textMt. Etna is the largest active volcano in Europe with effusive and explosive eruptions, and intense seismic activity. Its effects on the densely urbanized area located on the Etna flanks were investigated within the PANACEA project (Probabilistic AssessmeNt of volCano-related multi-hazard and multi-risk at Mount EtnA), an innovative and extensive research project aimed to assess the risk consequent to lava flow, tephra fallout, and earthquake hazards.
In this work, we illustrate how seismic and volcanic probabilistic hazard scenarios have found their practical application in risk estimation for built-up environment, electric power systems and roads infrastructures. Risk scenarios were assessed at very different scales, from local to sub-regional, and have been done in case of lava flows, tephra fallouts and volcanic earthquakes, leaving out pyroclastic flows as they only affect the summit area of the volcano that is devoid of exposed elements.PublishedCataniaOSV2: Complessità dei processi vulcanici: approcci multidisciplinari e multiparametric
Cloud optical thickness retrievals using a UV-VIS-NIR spectrometer at the Thule high Arctic atmospheric observatory, Greenland
No full textClouds are among the most important and least understood components of the Earth System. Their ubiquitous,
highly variable and inhomogeneous presence contributes to increasing the difficulties in assessing their impacts on the
radiative energy budget, especially at high latitudes. Measurements of cloud characteristics such as optical thickness and
droplet effective radius can be obtained with in situ and ground-based instruments, but such measurements are very
sparse in polar regions. This work presents the application of different methods for cloud optical thickness estimation by
means of a ground-based UV-VIS-NIR spectrometer recently installed at the Thule High Arctic Atmospheric
Observatory, Greenland (THAAO, www.thuleatmos-it.it, 76.5°N, 68.8°W). The retrieval of droplet effective radius is left
for a second part of this work, which is underway and exploits spectral measurements at longer wavelengths (1000-2200
nm).This work was supported by projects MACMAP (INGV), PNRA18_00122 – CLARA2 and PRA2019_0009 -
ECAPACPublished060012OSA2: Evoluzione climatica: effetti e loro mitigazioneN/A or not JC
Comment on “A Seismic Moment Magnitude Scale” by Ranjit Das, Mukat Lal Sharma, Hans Raj Wason, Deepankar Choudhury, and Gabriel Gonzalez
No full textMoment magnitude Mw was first defined by Hiroo Kanamori in the late 1970s, when the availability of new force balance seismometers made it possible to measure the seismic moment M0 with virtually no limits in the frequency passband. For this reason, Mw does not become saturated even for the largest earthquakes ever recorded. Mw has been chosen in such a way that it coincides best with the previous definitions of magnitude (Ms, ML, mb, etc.) on certain ranges of values but can deviate significantly from them within other ranges. A few years ago, Das and colleagues proposed a new moment magnitude scale Mwg with the aim of better reproducing the values of mb and Ms over their entire range and to better predict the energy ES radiated by earthquakes. We show that there was no need to define such a new scale and that Mwg is not even optimal to achieve the goal of matching ES.Published2270–2274OST2 Deformazione e Hazard sismico e da maremotoJCR Journa
Gas geothermometry, soil CO 2 degassing, and heat release estimation to assess the geothermal potential of the Alpehue Hydrothermal Field (Sollipulli volcano, Southern Chile)
No full textThe Alpehue Hydrothermal Field (AHF) near the Sollipulli Volcano in the Southern Volcanic Zone of Chile shows promise as a significant geothermal resource. A comprehensive geothermal exploration survey was conducted, including the evaluation of hydrothermal gases, geothermometer calculations, and CO 2 flux measurements, to assess the AHF's geothermal potential. Our results indicate that the hydrothermal gasses at the AHF primarily originate from primitive, mantle-derived sources, with some contribution from crustal sediments. Two different CO 2 populations of fluxes were identified. One corresponds to the background emission related to the soil biological activity (mean ~7.7 g⋅m − 2 ⋅d − 1), and the other, much more significant, emanates from an endogenous source related to the Alpehue hydrothermal reservoir (mean ~461 g⋅m − 2 ⋅d − 1). Reservoir temperatures were calculated using gas geothermometry yielding average temperatures of 249 • C. The calculated heat flow rate of the AHF is approximately 3.3 MW and the heat flux corresponds to 156 thermal MW⋅km − 2 , which could be considered a medium geothermal potential comparable to other systems worldwide. Although further studies are needed to fully address its exploitability, this study presents favorable characteristics of the AHF that make it a promising avenue for further exploration.Published103092OSV2: Complessità dei processi vulcanici: approcci multidisciplinari e multiparametriciJCR Journa
Large Isotopic Shift in Volcanic Plume CO2 Prior to a Basaltic Paroxysmal Explosion
No full textCarbon dioxide is a key gas to monitor at volcanoes because its concentration and isotopic signature can indicate changes to magma supply and degassing behavior prior to eruptions, yet carbon isotopic fluctuations at volcanic summits are not well constrained. Here we present δ 13 C results measured from plume samples collected at Stromboli volcano, Italy, by Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS). We found contrasting volcanic δ 13 C signatures in 2018 during quiescence (0.36 ± 0.59‰) versus 10 days before the 3 July 2019 paroxysm (5.01 ± 0.56‰). Prior to the eruption, an influx of CO 2-rich magma began degassing at deep levels (∼100 MPa) in an open-system fashion, causing strong isotopic fractionation and maintaining high CO 2 /S t ratios in the gas. This influx occurred between 10 days and several months prior to the event, meaning that isotopic changes in the gas could be detected weeks to months before unrest. Plain Language Summary Volcanoes produce gases which change composition depending on how active the volcano is. One of these gases, carbon dioxide, is known to change in proportion to other gases before an eruption occurs, but little is known about how the isotopes of carbon change leading up to an eruption. Using drones to reach the gaseous plume of Stromboli volcano, Italy, we have captured carbon dioxide both during an inactive phase in 2018 and during the lead-up to a highly explosive eruption called a paroxysm in 2019. There is a stark difference in the carbon isotopes measured 10 days before the 3 July 2019 paroxysm as opposed to those measured in 2018. This is caused by the arrival of CO 2-rich magma which progressively degassed, leading to lighter carbon isotopes in the residual magma over time. This process could have started anywhere from 10 days to several months before the paroxysm. This provides a warning signal which can be detected weeks to months before an active period begins.Publishede2023GL107474OSV1: Verso la previsione dei fenomeni vulcanici pericolosiOSV3: Sviluppo di nuovi sistemi osservazionali e di analisi ad alta sensibilitàJCR Journa
Il contributo della ricerca psicosociale alla gestione delle emergenze sismiche. L’INGV e gli incontri con la popolazione, una risposta operativa ai bisogni informativi e di psicoeducazione delle comunità colpite dagli eventi.
No full textIl contributo ha la finalità di condividere alcune esperienze e attività di ricerca psicosociale applicata alle gestione delle emergenze sismiche, realizzate da un team di ricercatori INGV con competenze multidisciplinari. L’Italia negli ultimi 15 anni ha dovuto fronteggiare grandi emergenze sismiche e le ferite profonde, che segnano i territori, evidenziano la necessita di mettere al centro le persone e le comunità nei processi di sostegno, prima e di ricostruzione, poi. Questa consapevolezza rimanda all’evidenza di connettere le dimensioni psicosociali allo studio dei pericoli naturali, in quanto i pericoli nel momento in cui impattano sugli individui e sulla comunità diventano rischi reali con i quali confrontarsi. La ricerca psicosociale offre grandi opportunità alla gestione delle emergenze e le attività di Informazione in Emergenza, incontri diretti con la popolazione, sperimentate in occasione degli ultimi eventi sismici (Abruzzo 2009; Pianura Padana 2012; Italia Centrale 2016-17) ne sono un esempio efficace. Le situazioni di emergenza caratterizzate da situazioni di forte apprensione sociale rappresentano terreno fertile per i rumors, che contribuiscono non poco ad alimentare lo stato di ansia sociale. L’attività di informazione in emergenza rappresenta una risposta operativa ai bisogni informativi, un’azione di contrasto ai rumors e contemporaneamente offre l’occasione di realizzare interventi di psicoeducazione. In conclusione tali attività rappresentano una modalità per realizzare un supporto psicosociale finalizzato a favorire il ripristino della rete sociale locale, così come indicato nelle linee guida degli interventi psicosociali del comitato internazionale delle Nazioni Unite IASC (2007); un compito questo che è proprio del Sistema di Protezione Civile.UnpublishedDipartimento della Protezione Civile, Auditorium Di Cicco – Via Vitorchiano, 2 Roma - ItaliaOS: Terza mission
Use of Low-Cost Sensors to Study Atmospheric Particulate Matter Concentrations: Limitations and Benefits Discussed through the Analysis of Three Case Studies in Palermo, Sicily
No full textThe paper discusses the results of the concentrations of atmospheric particulate matter, in
the PM2.5 and PM10 fractions, acquired by two low-cost sensors. The research was carried out from
1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024, in Palermo, Sicily. The results obtained from two systems equipped with
the same sensor model were compared. Excellent linear correlation was observed between the results,
with differences in measurements falling within instrumental accuracy. Two instruments equipped
with different sensors, models Novasense SDS011 and Plantower PMSA003, were placed at the same
site. These were complemented by a weather station to measure meteorological parameters. Upon
comparing the atmospheric particulate matter concentrations measured by the two instruments, it
was observed that there was a good linear correlation for PM2.5 and a poor linear correlation for
PM10. Additionally, the PMSA003 sensor appeared to consistently record higher concentrations than
the SDS011 sensor. During periods influenced by natural sources and/or anthropogenic activities
at the regional and/or local scale, i.e., the dispersal of Saharan sands, forest fires, and local events
using fireworks, abnormal concentrations of atmospheric particulate matter were detected. Despite
the inherent limitations in precision and accuracy, both low-cost instruments were able to identify
periods with abnormal concentrations of atmospheric particulate matter, regardless of their source
or type.Published6621JCR Journa
Breaking Adria and Southern Italy: adjoint tomography of an intricate lithosphere
No full textHigh-resolution adjoint tomography has emerged as a powerful tool for unraveling the complexities of the Earth's lithosphere. We present an overview of the analysis conducted on the seismic images generated by the application of high-resolution adjoint tomography for the lithosphere beneath Southern Italy and the Adriatic region.
Recently, we have proposed IMAGINE_IT, a reference 3D high-resolution seismic tomography model for tectonic and geological structures of the Italian lithosphere. Enhanced accuracy is enabled by state-of-the-art methods, including three-dimensional wavefield simulations based on SPECFEM3D in combination with an adjoint-state method.
Adria plate plays a peculiar role in the geodynamics of the Central Mediterranean. It is the foreland of non-coeval mountain ranges and its margins are consumed in the process by subduction systems under the Alps to the north, the Apennines to the west and the Dinarides to the east.
The complex behavior of this system and the large geographical heterogeneity in data availability lead to a fragmented understanding of the Adria plate. In particular, its lithospheric structure, in terms of Vp and Vs profiles, is poorly known due to a lack of seismic stations, poor earthquake location quality (large observational gaps), and the consequent lack of coverage by classical seismic tomography methods. The uncertainties increase the difficulty of correctly assessing the seismic hazard along the Adriatic coasts (including tsunami hazard evaluation).
Here, we present additional details of this region, such as the mid-Adriatic ridge, and a preliminary set of iterations that exploit 7 years of additional data (IMAGINE_IT was limited to data until 2015) and the recent deployment of very dense regional arrays of broadband seismic stations– the 2016-2019 AlpArray and the AdriaArray Seismic Network currently under installation – which provide a new opportunity to improve our comprehension of the area.
Furthermore, we focus on southern Italy, starting from L’Aquila region up to Calabrian Arc. The analysis of the images produced by high-resolution adjoint tomography IMAGINE_IT reveals intricate details of the lithospheric architecture, including crustal thickness variations, seismic velocity anomalies, and (lack of) subduction-related features.PublishedSan FranciscoOST1 Alla ricerca dei Motori Geodinamic