Seismological Characterization of the Sardinia (Italy) Candidate Site for the Einstein Telescope
Description:
Einstein Telescope (ET) will be the European third generation gravitational wave detector which construction is foreseen in the next decade. The project is currently in the preparatory phase: one of the crucial issues is to define the most appropriate location to achieve its design sensitivity. The Italian candidate site is located in NW Sardinia, a region characterized by a peculiar geological evolution: it is part of a micro plate which is stable since about 15 Myrs and not affected by present day active deformation due to tectonic processes. This geologic setting, together with a very low degree of anthropization, provides a very quiet environment with very low seismic noise, especially in the frequency band 1-10 Hz where ET is expected to detect low frequency gravitational wave signals.
The Italian candidacy is underpinned by extensive geophysical studies in the area based on various surveys and the installation of a network of geophysical sensors. We report results from deployments of permanent and temporary seismic stations ongoing since 2019. A comprehensive, long-term, broadband assessment of ambient seismic noise has been conducted using both surface sensors and borehole broadband seismometers installed at a 250 m depth. This study confirms that the site’s noise floor approaches Peterson’s New Low Noise Model in the target frequency band 3-9 Hz. We have also deployed several, temporary seismic arrays with varying aperture and geometry, aimed at investigating the amplitude and spatial distribution of noise sources across in different bands and to retrieve the subsurface seismic velocity profiles. Results from the surface wave dispersion curves inversion and from the analysis of HVSR spectra show the presence of a homogenous, high velocity crystalline subsurface that can ensure an ideal and stable environment for hosting and operating ET.
Session: Planetary and Gravitational Wave Seismology [Poster]
Type: Poster
Date: 4/15/2026
Presentation Time: 08:00 AM (local time)
Presenting Author: Carlo Giunchi
Student Presenter: No
Invited Presentation:
Poster Number: 134
Authors
Carlo Giunchi Presenting Author Corresponding Author carlo.giunchi@ingv.it National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology |
Spina Cianetti spina.cianetti@ingv.it National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology |
Giovanni Diaferia giovanni.diaferia@ingv.it National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology |
Irene Molinari irene.molinari@ingv.it National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology |
Marco Olivieri marco.olivieri@ingv.it National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology |
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Seismological Characterization of the Sardinia (Italy) Candidate Site for the Einstein Telescope
Category
Planetary and Gravitational Wave Seismology