Abstract
Italy is a geodynamically active country, where several processes act in different volcanic and tectonic contexts. Improving the knowledge of the most hazardous phenomena and contribute to outline more efficient risk mitigation strategies are challenging tasks. More effective methods for geophysical investigation can be developed through the use of innovative technologies, based on the cross-analysis of terrestrial, airborne and satellite data. Among other key factors, an improved knowledge of the gravity field, through the joint use of remote sensing from airborne or space platforms and terrestrial data, can add new constrains on the complex geodynamic models that describe tectonically active areas. In such context, the project will implement a multi-disciplinary and integrated approach to improve the capability of measuring and interpreting gravity data in complex areas, such as those interested by volcanic processes. The main target of the activity will be the Aeolian Islands, with focus on the Vulcano-Lipari district, which hosts many natural processes significantly affecting both the surface and underground setting. Gravity data may provide significant information (signature and anomalies) that will contribute to understand which factors have influenced the recent volcanism. Preliminarily, the method will be tested in Sardinia, in a quieter area from a geodynamic point of view. This will permit an extensive testing and validation of the proposed surveying methodologies. The test area identified in Sardinia corresponds with that where the large underground infrastructure hosting the Einstein Telescope is planned to be located. A gravity surveying in this area, that is characterized by a consistent rock mass with no significant discontinuities or volcano-tectonic activity, will allow to test the acquisition mode and to validate the data processing procedures. Data interpretation will be supported by the geological and geophysical data produced by the ongoing projects funded by INFN and other PNRR actions (1; 2). The acquired airborne data will be compared and integrated with the ground-based gravity data, both available or newly acquired in the target areas, and with the large-scale information derived by recent satellite missions. The project will develop a GIS-based integrated approach for multi-disciplinary data gathering and for defining new protocols to analyse risks and address priorities for geohazard mitigation. Therefore, the scope of the project is two-fold: i. improving the knowledge on the gravity field in one of the most active volcanic areas in Italy (Aeolian Islands with focus on the Vulcano-Lipari district); ii. promoting a multi-disciplinary and multi-source data gathering approach that will be beneficial to setup a method for controlling the evolution of pre-eruptive volcanic phases and improving the quantitative evaluation of risk scenarios.
Project details
Unibo Team Leader: Antonio Zanutta
Unibo involved Department/s:
Dipartimento di Ingegneria Civile, Chimica, Ambientale e dei Materiali
Coordinator:
Istituto Nazionale Di Geofisica E Vulcanologia Sez. Di Roma(Italy)
Total Unibo Contribution: Euro (EUR) 48.190,00
Project Duration in months: 24
Start Date:
28/09/2023
End Date:
28/02/2026
