Man‐induced low‐frequency seismic events in Italy

Abstract

Unconventional seismic events in Italy are detected by scanning three years of continuous waveforms recorded by the Italian National Seismic Network. Cross correlation of signal templates with continuous seismic records has evidenced unusual events with similar low-frequency characteristics in several Italian regions. Spectral analysis and spatiotemporal distribution of these events, some of which are previously interpreted as tectonic long-period transients, suggest that they are not natural, but produced by huge cement factories. Since there are at least 57 full-cycle cement plants operating in Italy, each affecting areas of about 1250 to 2800 km 2 , we argue that significant portions of the Italian territory (23% to 51%) can be affected by this man-made noise. Seismic noise analyses, such as those used for microzonation or crustal structure investigations, as well as data mining techniques used to retrieve anomalous transient signals, should thus take into account this peculiar and pervasive source of seismic waves.

Real‐time detection, location, and characterization of rockslides using broadband regional seismic networks

“…However, the spectral fingerprints of seismic signals induced by mass-wasting phenomena can be also investigated to better discriminate landslides from small local earthquakes and/or other anthropogenic events [Latorre et al, 2014;Riahi and Gerstoft, 2015]. However, the spectral fingerprints of seismic signals induced by mass-wasting phenomena can be also investigated to better discriminate landslides from small local earthquakes and/or other anthropogenic events [Latorre et al, 2014;Riahi and Gerstoft, 2015].…”

“…We verified that the ratio between M L and M D is a fast and reliable criterion to discriminate rockslides from local earthquakes in the European Alps. However, the spectral fingerprints of seismic signals induced by mass-wasting phenomena can be also investigated to better discriminate landslides from small local earthquakes and/or other anthropogenic events [Latorre et al, 2014;Riahi and Gerstoft, 2015]. These observations can be used to implement further benchmarks to our algorithm, thus improving its detection capability.…”

The 2020 coronavirus lockdown and seismic monitoring of anthropic activities in Northern Italy

“…While earlier studies have attempted to characterise high-frequency seismic noise 7,[11][12][13][14] , the current lockdown of industrial activities and reduction in road and train traffic in Italy is an unprecedented opportunity to discriminate it from ambient noise of natural origin. Italy is a highly industrialized and urbanized country, densely covered with non-stationary noise sources 15 , such as traffic and industry-induced vibration 16 . This is particularly true in its northern regions, which account for 70% of the country's entire industrial output, and where lockdown measures have been enacted earlier than everywhere else in Europe.…”

Seismicity Induced by Simultaneous Abrupt Changes of Injection Rate and Well Pressure in Hutubi Gas Field

“…In recent years, seismicity induced by human activities has become an important topic of interest to the general public, including the controlled explosions related to mining or construction (Fletcher & McGarr, 2005;Latorre et al, 2014;Li et al, 2007;Shen et al, 2008), induced earthquakes by the impoundment of large water reservoirs (Do Nascimento et al, 2005;Ge et al, 2009;Gough & Gough, 1970;Guha, 2013), and activities related to the energy field production ( Bardainne et al, 2008;Brodsky & Lajoie, 2013;Clarke et al, 2014;Deichmann & Giardini, 2009;Ellsworth, 2013;Gan & Frohlich, 2013;Healy et al, 1968;Kim, 2013;Priolo et al, 2015;Shirzaei et al, 2016;Tadokoro et al, 2000;Walsh & Zoback, 2015). At the same time, those induced seismic activities have also offered great opportunities to explore earthquake physics.…”