Water and Earthquakes: New Insights into the connection between Hydrology and Seismicity
A recent study published in Nature Communications has opened new horizons in understanding seismic phenomena. Titled “Non-linear elasticity, earthquake triggering and seasonal hydrological forcing along the Irpinia fault, Southern Italy,” the research analyzes how seasonal changes in water masses influence the mechanical properties of the Earth’s crust and seismic activity along the Irpinia fault.
A Multidisciplinary Approach
The research is the result of collaboration between the University of Padua, the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), the University of Naples Federico II, and Acquedotto Pugliese. For the Department of Geosciences, researcher Piero Poli participated.Through the Pianeta Dinamico-MYBURP project, the team investigated how the recharge of karst aquifers modifies the crustal structure, highlighting the role of hydrological forces in triggering seismicity.
Key Findings:
- An increase in low-magnitude seismicity (M < 3.7) during periods of peak water recharge, such as spring and summer.
- A decrease in seismic wave velocity corresponding to rock extension, suggesting a temporary weakening of the crust.
- Confirmation that the elastic properties of rocks respond non-linearly to deformation, a phenomenon similar to laboratory observations.
Innovative Techniques and Data
Using advanced ambient seismic noise analysis techniques and GNSS data, researchers combined information on variations in seismic wave velocity with crustal deformations caused by hydrological changes. These analyses were made possible by the Irpinia Near Fault Observatory, a multiparametric advanced monitoring infrastructure.
Future Implications
This study not only expands knowledge on crustal deformation processes but also offers new opportunities to improve the prediction and mitigation of seismic risks. The collaboration between academic research and regional organizations, such as Acquedotto Pugliese, underscores the importance of an integrated approach to tackling complex challenges.
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