MOBILE SEISMIC NETWORK
Temporary seismic station installed in Sillano, in the province of Lucca, following the seismic sequence that occurred in Lunigiana in 2013.
Temporary seismic station installed in Bolognola, in the province of Macerata, during the long seismic sequence that occurred in Central Italy after the Amatrice earthquake of 24 August 2016.
Temporary seismic stations installed in Guglionesi, Lupara and San Martino in Pensilis, in the province of Campobasso, following the Mw 4.9 earthquake of August 16, 2018.
Seismic and volcanic monitoring of the national territory is one of the main institutional tasks of the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV).
INGV performs this important function through the management and maintenance of permanent networks of different types and at different scales. In some areas, the density of these networks, in addition to guaranteeing the monitoring of seismic and volcanic activity, also makes it possible to record and precisely locate low-magnitude events, allowing the seismic release of the area to be studied in detail.
To temporarily increase the density of the permanent networks by improving their quality and seismic detection capacity, INGV has a Mobile Seismic Network infrastructure made up of over 100 stations which can be equipped with velocimetric, accelerometric and infrasonic sensors with different technical characteristics which allow extensive control of the frequency spectrum emitted by the seismic source. The strong technological development of recent years has also allowed the implementation of temporary seismic monitoring systems in real time (ie in UMTS or satellite telemetry) of particular importance for the analysis of a seismic sequence following a strong earthquake or during a persistent earthquake swarm.
The instrumental park of the INGV Mobile Seismic Network is used by INGV researchers, technologists and technicians in the context of targeted scientific projects and during seismic emergencies, within the activities envisaged by the operational group EARTHQUAKE. In volcanic areas, the Mobile Seismic Network can contribute to a more detailed observation of the phenomena in progress, in particular by improving where necessary the recording of the continuous signal and of the transients linked to volcanic degassing.
Mobile Seismic Network Units are present at the National Earthquake Observatory in the various offices in Ancona, Grottaminarda, Palermo, Rende and Rome, the Etna Observatory in Catania, the Vesuvius Observatory in Naples, the Section of Pisa and the Milan Section.
Year | Name Experiment/region
● 2000-2001 | City of Castle
● 2001 | SERAPIS Project (Active Seismic)
● 2003-2005 | FIRB Abruzzo project
● 2004-2005 | FIRB Cansiglio project
● 2004-2005 | Val D'Agri
● 2005-2006 | Alban Hills
● 2006 | Stromboli (active seismic)
● 2008-2009 | Upper Lazio
● 2009-2010 | Canaries
● 2010 | AIRPLANE project
● 2010 | SHADOW project
● 2008-2010 | Messina Project 1908-2008
● 2012 | Puglia (active seismic)
● 2012 -2013 | Mount Amiata
● 2014 | DIONYSUS Project (Active Seismic)
● 2014-2015 | ENI Val D'agri
● 2014-2016 | TOTAL Val D'Agri
● 2014-2015 | EASI project
● 2015-2016 | Sardinia Passive Array
● 2015-2019 | AlpArray project
● 2016 | Woods of Nirano
● 2016-2017 | Caira
● 2016 - ongoing | Sulcis
Year | Emergency name/geographical area
● 2009-2010 | The Eagle
● 2009-2010 | Whip it
● 2010 | They stop
● 2011 | Montefeltro
● 2011-2013 | chicken
● 2012-2013 | Emily
● 2013 | Lunigiana
● 2013-2014 | Matese
● 2014 | Chianti
● 2014 | Roccadaspide
● 2016-2017 | Campobasso
● 2016 -2018 | Central Italy (Amatrice-Visso-Norcia)
● 2017-2018 | Island of Ischia
● 2018 | Molise
FLEGREI FIELDS
Figure - Campi Flegrei multiparameter monitoring networks
INGV-OV researchers at work at the crater of La Solfatara in Pozzuoli for gas sampling at the “Bocca Grande” fumarole (Photo by INGV section of Naples Vesuvius Observatory).
SEISMIC MONITORING
Seismic monitoring of Campi Flegrei is carried out through the joint use of a Permanent Seismic Network and a Mobile Seismic Network, managed by the Vesuvius Observatory section of Naples. These networks make it possible to identify and classify seismic signals linked to earthquakes or other natural and artificial phenomena; in the Solfatara area the average amplitude of seismic noise is also studied. The ARF seismic array also allows to characterize the entire wave field in order to identify possible persistent and correlated seismic sources (eg volcanic tremor). The seismic events detected and localized are then archived in specific catalogues, which can also be consulted online (see Databases).
Permanent Seismic Network
The Campi Flegrei Permanent Seismic Monitoring Network has 27 land and sea installation sites. Different types of stations and sensors can be set up at each site. Overall, the network is made up of 5 analog stations with 1Hz sensors and 22 broadband digital stations. The digital terrestrial seismic stations are based on the GILDA data logger, designed and manufactured at the INGV Osservatorio Vesuviano; the marine ones are based on Guralp DM24 and Quanterra Q330 dataloggers. The seismic network sensors are joined by 5 Infracyrus infrasonic microphones, designed and produced by INGV Osservatorio Vesuviano, and an infrasonic array consisting of 4 elements. All the signals detected by the indicated sensors are transmitted in real time to the Monitoring Room of the INGV Vesuviano Observatory in Naples, where they are analyzed and processed.
Mobile Seismic Network
In the Campi Flegrei area, 17 stand-alone seismic stations are operational, equipped with broadband seismic sensors, 4 of which are also equipped with an accelerometer, an accelerometer station, a short-period station and a tiltmeter. There is also an array of 10 short period stations (ARF). This instrumentation works in local acquisition mode.
GEODETIC MONITORING
The monitoring of ground deformations in the Campi Flegrei is based on an integrated approach of continuous measurements and periodic campaigns, carried out with instrumental networks relating to various parameters, managed by the Naples Vesuvius Observatory section. The measurement and observation techniques used are GPS, tidemetry, tiltmetry, gravimetry, dilatometry, SAR interferometry and precision geometric levelling. Fixed GPS, tidal and tiltmetric networks are installed. On the other hand, precision leveling campaigns are periodically carried out on an altimetric network made up of about 370 benchmarks, and gravimetric measurement campaigns on a network made up of 38 benchmarks. The analysis of the acquired data is carried out separately for the signals of the various networks and subsequently integrated into a single database.
GPS network
There are 25 permanent GPS stations operating in the Campi Flegrei area, of which 21 located in terrestrial sites and 4 in marine sites, equipped with various types of Leica GPS receivers. The collected data is transmitted to the operational headquarters of the INGV Osservatorio Vesuviano with various technologies, according to the logistics of the site. The transmission systems currently in use use the Vesuvius Observatory's Wi-Fi network, ADSL and UMTS/4G lines. Most of these stations are powered by the mains, and buffer battery, to ensure continuity of operation in the event of a power blackout. Other sites including the four beacons in the Gulf of Pozzuoli are powered by solar panels. The management and data transmission system is based on specific software.
Mareometric network
The Mareographic Network of Campi Flegrei consists of 4 stations. The monitoring of the tidal level is carried out by means of float sensors (in still-pipe) connected to a digital encoder. The signals, sampled every minute, are acquired and transmitted via GSM modem. The power supply is of the solar type with photovoltaic panels. The stations are installed in metal cabins and fiberglass containers. The location in a marine environment considerably affects the accommodation facilities, therefore frequent maintenance is essential. Cornerstones of the leveling network of the Vesuvius Observatory are also located near the tide gauge stations.
Tiltmetric network
The Tiltmetric Network of Campi Flegrei consists of 10 stations, 4 of which are equipped with surface analogue sensors, mod. 702 (Applied Geomechanics Instruments), 3 equipped with analog well sensors mod. 722 (Applied Geomechanics Instruments) and 3 equipped with digital well sensors mod. Lily (Jewel Instruments). The stations transmit the recorded data files daily to the Monitoring Room of the Vesuvius Observatory.
Dilatometer network
The Campi Flegrei Dilatometric Network consists of 4 stations, equipped with Sacks-Evertson dilatometers and co-installed with stations of the Permanent Seismic Network. Of these, two stations are operational.
Gravimetric network
The Gravimetric Network of Campi Flegrei is made up of 38 relative measurement stations and 24 absolute measurement stations.
The interferometric monitoring of the deformations of the Campi Flegrei exploits the Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data acquired by the main satellite constellations currently in operation: TerraSAR-X (TSX) of the German Space Agency, COSMO-SkyMed (CSK) of the Italian Space Agency ( ASI) and Sentinel-1 (S1) of the European Copernicus programme, managed by the European Space Agency (ESA). The Vesuvius Observatory Naples section carries out the analysis of TerraSAR-X (TSX) data. The data acquired from the other constellations are used by other research institutes.
GEOCHEMICAL MONITORING
The geochemical monitoring activities of the Campi Flegrei area consist in the continuous acquisition of the measurement of the flow of CO2 from the soil, the temperature of the fumaroles and the soil, the thermal gradient of the soil and the main environmental parameters which have an effect on the process of degassing of the Solfatara di Pozzuoli crater area and the Pisciarelli area, as well as in the collection and chemical and isotopic analysis of gas samples during periodic measurement campaigns. These activities are carried out by the Vesuvius Observatory Section of Naples. The Roma1 Section continuously acquires the soil temperatures along vertical profiles through stations installed in the Solfatara and Pisciarelli areas. The study of the chemical-physical variations of the fluids in these areas provides important information on the circulation of fluids and on the magmatic dynamics taking place in the volcanic system.
Geochemical networks
The Campi Flegrei Geochemical Network of the Vesuvius Observatory consists of four automatic multi-parameter stations in continuous recording: FLXOV1, GTS1 and FLXOV5 installed in the Solfatara area and FLXOV3 in the Pisciarelli area. A new GEMMA type station in the Pisciarelli area was also installed and is currently being tested, which will replace the FLXOV3 station. The stations send the data collected in real time to the Monitoring Center of the Vesuvius Observatory with wi-fi connection. On pre-established fixed points (about 60 points in the Solfatara crater area and 28 points in the Pisciarelli area) CO2 flux and soil temperature measurements are carried out. Periodic samplings are also carried out of the gases emitted by the fumaroles present in the Solfatara and Pisciarelli craters.
The continuous geochemical network of soil temperatures in the Rome 1 section consists of two stations (PSC and SLF) for measuring temperatures on vertical profiles in the soil (from 10 to 70 cm).
VOLCANOLOGICAL MONITORING
Volcanological monitoring activities are carried out by the Naples Vesuvius Observatory Section with a Permanent Network of Thermal Cameras and with measurement campaigns carried out with a Mobile Thermal Camera and Thermocouple. Monitoring with thermal cameras has as its main objective the identification of variations in time and space of the temperature values measured on the ground in significant points of the crater area.
Permanent Network Image Thermal Monitoring
The TIRNet (Thermal InfraRed Network) network for continuous long-term volcanic surveillance of the Campi Flegrei through the acquisition of thermal infrared images is currently made up of 5 permanent stations, two of which are located inside the Solfatara crater (SF1, SF2 ), one in Pisciarelli (PS1), the fourth (OBN) is located at the base of the SE slope of the lava dome of Mount Olibano and the fifth (IR-SOB) is located on the south-eastern edge of the Solfatara crater. These stations are equipped with FLIR thermal imaging cameras. The thermal images are transmitted via wi-fi and UMTS connection and are available in the Monitoring room of the Vesuvius Observatory.
Discreet Monitoring with Mobile Thermal Cameras (TTM) and Thermocouple
The surveys are carried out on 16 fixed points on a monthly basis, at night and in any case in conditions of no solar radiation, using a high resolution and sensitivity FLIR SC640 portable thermal imaging camera. The thermocouple used is type K. The measurements obtained with the thermocamera are compared, when possible, with those performed with a rigid thermocouple.
Deepening
ISCHIA
Figure - Ischia's multi-parameter monitoring networks
Figure tiltmetric data - Cosismic, permanent tiltmetric deformations observed at the ISC (red arrow) and FOR (green arrow) stations. The star in blue indicates the epicenter of the earthquake of 21 August (image and elaboration by Ciro Ricco, Vincenzo Augusti, Giovanni Scarpato and Ida Aquino, INGV-Osservatorio Vesuviano).
SEISMIC MONITORING
Seismic monitoring of Ischia is carried out through the joint use of a Permanent Seismic Network and a Mobile Seismic Network, managed by the INGV section of Naples Vesuvius Observatory (Fig. 1). These networks make it possible to identify and classify seismic signals linked to earthquakes or other natural and artificial phenomena. The seismic events detected and localized are then archived in specific catalogues, which can also be consulted online (databases link).
Permanent Seismic Network
The Permanent Seismic Monitoring Network of Ischia has 8 permanent installation sites on the island plus one site on the island of Procida. Different types of stations and sensors can be set up at each site. Overall, the network is made up of 3 analog stations with short-term sensors and 8 broadband digital stations. The digital seismic stations are based on the GILDA data logger, designed and produced at the Vesuvius Observatory, and on Guralp DM24 data loggers. An infrasonic Infracyrus microphone and a Chaparral broadband microphone are added to the sensors of the seismic network. All the signals detected by the indicated sensors are transmitted in real time to the Monitoring Room of the INGV Vesuviano Observatory in Naples, where they are analyzed and processed.
Mobile Seismic Network
On the island of Ischia there are 6 mobile seismic stations, equipped with broadband seismic sensors. Three stations transmit the signals in the Monitoring Room of the Vesuvius Observatory, while the rest of the instruments work in local acquisition mode.
GEODETIC MONITORING
The monitoring of soil deformations on the island of Ischia is based on an integrated approach of continuous measurements and periodic campaigns, carried out with instrumental networks relating to various parameters managed by the Naples Vesuvius Observatory section. The measurement and observation techniques used are GPS, tiltmetry and precision geometric levelling. A fixed GPS network, an altimetric network, a tiltmetric network and a gravimetric network are installed (Fig. 1). Periodically, the staff of the Vesuvius Observatory carries out precision leveling campaigns on an altimetric network made up of about 250 strongholds, and gravimetric measurement campaigns on a network made up of 25 strongholds. The analysis of the acquired data is carried out separately for the signals of the various networks and subsequently integrated into a single database.
GPS network
There are 6 permanent and operating GPS stations on the island of Ischia; a GPS station is also present on the island of Procida. Latest generation Leica GR10 or GRX1200PRO series receivers are used for all sites. The collected data is transmitted to the operational headquarters of the INGV Osservatorio Vesuviano with various technologies, according to the logistics of the site. The transmission systems currently in use use Wi-Fi connections, ADSL, UMTS/4G and GSM lines. Most of these stations are mains powered. Only two sites are powered by solar panels. The management and data transmission system is based on specific software.
Mareometric network
The Mareographic Network of Ischia consists of one station. The tide level is monitored by means of a float sensor (in still-pipe) connected to a digital encoder. The signals, sampled every minute, are acquired and transmitted via GSM modem. The power supply is of the solar type with photovoltaic panels. The station is installed in a metal cabin and fiberglass container. The location in a marine environment considerably affects the accommodation facilities, therefore frequent maintenance is essential.
Tiltmetric network
The Tiltmetric Network of Ischia consists of 3 stations, equipped with digital well sensors model Lily (Jewell Instruments). The stations transmit the recorded data files daily to the Monitoring Room of the Vesuvius Observatory (Fig. 2).
GEOCHEMICAL MONITORING
Geochemical monitoring activities in Ischia consist of the collection and chemical and isotopic analysis of gas and thermal water samples during periodic measurement campaigns. These activities are carried out by the INGV section of Palermo in collaboration with the Vesuvian Observatory. The chemical-physical characteristics of the samples taken allow us to obtain information on the state of the island's geothermal system.
Geochemical networks
There are no networks of continuous stations for the measurement of geochemical parameters. 16 sampling points have been identified for thermal waters (in wells and springs) and 3 points for gaseous emissions. In addition to the sites that are part of the Surveillance Network, the gases emitted by 6 submarine fumaroles are sampled.
VOLCANOLOGICAL MONITORING
The volcanological monitoring activities on the island of Ischia are carried out by the Naples Vesuvius Observatory Section through measurement campaigns carried out with a Mobile Thermal Camera and Thermocouple. Monitoring with thermal cameras has as its main objective the identification of variations in time and space of the temperature values measured on the ground in significant points of the crater area.
Discreet Monitoring with Mobile Thermal Cameras (TTM) and Thermocouple
Thermal surveys are carried out on 9 sites on a monthly basis, at night and in any case in conditions of no solar radiation, using a high resolution and sensitivity FLIR SC640 portable thermal imaging camera. The thermocouple used is type K. The measurements obtained with the thermocamera are compared, when possible, with those performed with a rigid thermocouple.
VESUVIUS
Figure - Multi-parameter monitoring networks of the Somma-Vesuvius
Hypocentral locations to Vesuvius over the course of 12 months: from November 2017 to November 2018. The size of the symbols is proportional to the magnitude, as indicated in the lower right box (modified from Surveillance Bulletin INGV/OV – VESUVIO NOVEMBER 2018).
SEISMIC MONITORING
The monitoring of the seismic activity of Vesuvius is carried out through the joint use of a Permanent Seismic Network and a Mobile Seismic Network, managed by the INGV section of Naples Vesuvius Observatory (OV). These networks make it possible to identify and classify seismic signals linked to earthquakes or other natural and artificial phenomena. The seismic events detected and localized are then archived in specific catalogues, which can also be consulted online (see Databases).
Permanent Seismic Network
The Vesuvius Permanent Seismic Monitoring Network has 19 installation sites. Different types of stations and sensors can be set up at each site. Overall, the network consists of 7 analog stations with 1Hz sensors and 13 broadband digital stations based on the GILDA data acquisition system, designed and manufactured at the INGV Vesuviano Observatory. At the OVO site, located near the historic headquarters of the Vesuvius Observatory, there are two different seismic stations, one of which is in a well. The seismic network sensors are joined by 6 Infracyrus infrasonic microphones, designed and produced by INGV-OV, a broadband microphone and an accelerometer. All the signals detected by the indicated sensors are transmitted in real time to the INGV-OV Monitoring Room in Naples, where they are analyzed and processed.
Mobile Seismic Network
In the Vesuvius area, 7 stand-alone seismic stations are operational, equipped with broadband seismic sensors, an accelerometer and a tiltmeter. This instrumentation works in local acquisition mode.
GEODETIC MONITORING
The monitoring of Vesuvius soil deformations is based on an integrated approach of continuous measurements and periodic campaigns, carried out with instrumental networks managed by the OV, which measure various parameters. The measurement techniques used are GPS, tidemetry, tiltmetry – equipped with fixed networks – as well as gravimetry and precision geometric levelling. For the latter, the measurement campaigns are periodically carried out on networks made up of 37 cornerstones for gravimetry and about 350 cornerstones for precision levelling. The analysis of the acquired data is carried out separately for the signals of the various networks and subsequently integrated into a single database.
GPS network
There are 11 permanent GPS stations operating in the Vesuvius area, with GPS receivers of the GRX1200PRO series. The collected data is transmitted to the operational headquarters of the INGV Osservatorio Vesuviano with various technologies, according to the logistics of the site. The transmission systems currently in use use the OV Wi-Fi network, ADSL and GSM lines. Three sites are equipped with 100W photovoltaic panels and powered by solar energy. For the other sites, connected to the electricity grid, buffer batteries are available to extend their operation in the event of a blackout. The management and data transmission system is based on ad hoc software and on Leica Geosystem Spider software.
Mareometric network
The Vesuvius Mareographic Network consists of 5 stations. The monitoring of the tidal level is carried out by means of float sensors (in still-pipe) connected to a digital encoder. The signals, sampled every minute, are acquired and transmitted via GSM modem. The power supply is of the solar type with photovoltaic panels. The stations are installed in metal cabins and fiberglass containers. The location of the sensors in the marine environment greatly affects the accommodation facilities and therefore frequent maintenance is essential. Cornerstones of the OV leveling network are also located near these stations.
Tiltmetric network
The Vesuvius Tiltmetric Network consists of 7 stations, 3 of which are equipped with analog surface sensors, mod. 702 (Applied Geomechanics Instruments) and 4 equipped with digital well sensors, mod. Lily (Jewel Instrument). Six stations transmit data files daily to the Monitoring Room of the Vesuvius Observatory. For the Trecase station, destroyed by the fires of July 2017, the local acquisition and periodic download of data is provided.
GEOCHEMICAL MONITORING
The geochemical monitoring activities at Vesuvius consist in the continuous acquisition of data on the flow of CO2 from the ground, the temperature and the temperature gradient of the ground in the fumarolic fields present both in the crater rim area and on the crater floor; in carrying out periodic campaigns to measure the CO2 flux and the soil temperature at a depth of 10 cm, on a mesh of 40 fixed points located in the crater floor area; in sampling and chemical and isotopic analysis of gas samples from crater floor and crater rim fumaroles. Furthermore, periodic measurements of the CO2 flux and of the soil temperature are carried out at fixed points in the crater area. These activities are carried out by the Vesuvius Observatory. The INGV Section of Palermo carries out periodic sampling of the water from some wells and springs, mostly on the south-western flank of the volcano, and continuous measurements of the temperature of the aquifer.
Geochemical networks
The Vesuvius Geochemical Network of the Vesuvius Observatory consists of two automatic multi-parameter stations in continuous recording: FLXOV6, installed in the crater edge area (SW sector) and FLXOV7 installed in the crater floor area, both for the continuous measurement of the CO2 flow from the ground, the temperature of the main fumarole and the temperature gradient of the ground. The stations send the data collected in real time to the Monitoring Center of the Vesuvius Observatory with wi-fi connection. At pre-established fixed points, discrete measurements of the CO2 flow and temperature and gas sampling are carried out.
For the geochemical monitoring of the waters, the Palermo Section makes use of a network consisting of two stations, relating to the measurement of the temperature of the underground aquifers, installed in a well and in a spring, with local data recording. To these are added another 5 sites where periodic sampling campaigns of the aquifer are carried out, for a total of 7 sites.
VOLCANIC MONITORING
Volcanological monitoring activities are carried out by the Naples Vesuvius Observatory Section with a Permanent Network of Thermal Cameras and with measurement campaigns carried out with a Mobile Thermal Camera and Thermocouple. Monitoring with thermal cameras has the main objective of identifying any variations in time and space of the temperature values measured on the ground in significant points of the crater area.
Permanent Network Image Thermal Monitoring
On the edge of the crater of Vesuvius there is a permanent station for the acquisition of thermal infrared images. This station is equipped with a FLIR thermal imaging camera and frames the internal south-western slope of the Vesuvius crater. The thermal images, transmitted via wi-fi connection, are available in the Monitoring Room of the Vesuvius Observatory.
Discreet Monitoring with Mobile Thermal Cameras (TTM) and Thermocouple
The surveys are carried out on two fixed points on a monthly basis, at night and in any case in conditions of no solar radiation, using a high resolution and sensitivity FLIR SC640 portable thermal imaging camera. The thermocouple used is type K. The measurements obtained with the thermocamera are compared, when possible, with those performed with a rigid thermocouple.
MULTIPARAMETRIC NETWORKS OF SICILIAN VOLCANOES
The instrumental monitoring activity of the activity status of Etna, of the active volcanoes of the Aeolian Islands and Pantelleria is carried out by the INGV Sections of Catania, Osservatorio Etneo, and Palermo, as regards geochemical monitoring and makes use of technologically advanced instrumental networks - both permanent and mobile - which measure seismic, geodetic and geochemical parameters and collect volcanological data.