Near-fault-observation in a Seismic Gap Area: The Case of Mt. Morrone-Maiella Fault System (Central Italy)
In May 2022, some INGV researchers launched an ongoing passive seismic experiment as part of the PON-GRINT project in the Mt. Morrone area of the Central Apennines, Abruzzo, Italy. The Mt. Morrone fault is known to be geologically active based on geological and paleoseismological studies. However, despite this, the past 40 years have shown low seismic activity, with only a few low-magnitude events detected. The experiment aims to monitor microseismicity in the study area, including any seismic events related to the Mt. Morrone Fault that permanent networks may not have detected.
The Apennine chain, formed by thrust and fold systems, has experienced significant tectonic activity due to the westward subduction of the Adriatic lithosphere. This has caused extensive uplift and extensional faults, forming intermountain basins, such as those at Fucino, Sulmona, and L'Aquila, filled with Plio-Quaternary continental deposits.
In this study, the Apennine sector under investigation is in the southeastern part of the Abruzzo region, has been affected by several significant historical earthquakes, including the 1706 (M_w = 6.6) and 1933 (M_w = 5.7) events, as well as the 1349 and 1456 seismic sequences (M_w = 6.6 and 7.0). The literature available also indicates that the 1456, 1706 and 1933 earthquakes originated in this area.
Between May and October 2022, twenty-three temporary seismic stations were deployed across a ~250 km² area stretching from the Sulmona-Pratola Peligna basin to Mt. Morrone. Preliminary analysis of the first 12 months of data shows sparse seismicity, mainly located beneath the Popoli-Sulmona basin. These events appear to be linked to the Mt. Morrone fault, with hypocentral depths consistent with the fault geometry. The seismicity forms two clusters: one on the northwest side of Mt. Morrone and another between Mt. Morrone and Maiella, likely related to the Caramanico fault along the western flank of the Maiella anticline.
Session: The Landscape Record of Earthquakes and Faulting [Poster]
Type: Poster
Room: Exhibit Hall
Date: 4/16/2025
Presentation Time: 08:00 AM (local time)
Presenting Author: Mario Anselmi
Student Presenter: No
Invited Presentation:
Poster Number: 3
Additional Authors
Mario Anselmi Presenting Author Corresponding Author mario.anselmi@ingv.it National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology |
Pasquale De Gori pasquale.degori@ingv.it National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology |
Samer Bagh samer.bagh@ingv.it National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology |
Irene Menichelli irene.menichelli@ingv.it National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology |
Rossella Fonzetti rossella.fonzetti@ingv.it National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology |
Claudio Chiarabba claudio.chiarabba@ingv.it National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology |
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Near-fault-observation in a Seismic Gap Area: The Case of Mt. Morrone-Maiella Fault System (Central Italy)
Category
The Landscape Record of Earthquakes and Faulting
Description