Main characteristics of earthquakes. Active tectonics and active faults. Tectonic geomorphology and Palaeoseismology. Trenches and quantitative determinations on active fault systems: slip rates and relations to magnitude. Coseismic effects. Use of detailed topographic maps, DEM aerial photos, Satellite and radar images, SRTM and LIDAR. Geodetic data (GPS, DInSAR, PSInSAR). Geophysical prospections and boreholes.
Burbank D.W. & Anderson R.S. (2001). Tectonic Geomorphology: A Frontier in Earth Science.Blackwell Science Inc; ISBN: 0632043865; 272 pp.
Keller E. A. & Pinter N. (2001). Active Tectonics: Earthquakes, Uplift, and Landscape (2° edizione). Prentice Hall; ISBN: 0-13-088230-5; 362 pp.
McCalpin J. P. (Ed.) (1996). Paleoseismology. Academic Press; ISBN: 0-12-481825-0; 588 pp.
Yeats R. S., Sieh K. & Allen C.R. (1997). The Geology of Earthquakes. Oxford University Press; ISBN: 0195078276; 576 pp.
AA.VV (2018). Remote sensing for tectonic deformation. https://www.mdpi.com/journal/remotesensing/special_issues/Tectonic_Deformation
Clark J. (2012) Advances in Remote sensing & Plate tectonics. Nyx Academics.
Learning Objectives
This course aims to give knowledge on individuation and study of active structures in seismic areas. Will be described the current techniques of structural analysis, tectonic geomorphology and for the study of satellite images. These competences will be devoted to the seismic hazard evaluation and will be useful not only in the academia but also in public bodies responsible for the assessment of seismic risk
Prerequisites
Good knowledge of geology and in particular about global tectonics and structural geology.
Teaching Methods
The course consists of frontal lessons, classroom laboratory and optional participation to field excursions in seismically active areas.
Type of Assessment
Oral examination on the program topics.
Course program
Main characteristics of earthquakes. Intensity scales. Active tectonics, active, seismogenic and capable faults. Individuation of Quaternary structures. Data collected in seismically active areas in different tectonic environments (extensional, compressive and strike-slip contexts).
Morphotectonics and quantitative morphology in relation to the superficial movements.
Paleoseismology, trenches and datings of faults related to earthquakes occurred in the past.
Evaluation of slip rates, strain rates, uplift and subsidence rates. Effects of paleo-earthquakes on Quaternary sediments: liquefaction, seismites, tsunamis, pseudotachylytes.
Quantitative analysis of fault systems. Segmentation of faults; relations between length and displacements. Role of pre-existing structures. Relations between faults and magnitude of earthquakes. Coseismic effects.
Use of detailed topographic maps, DEM aerial photos, Satellite and radar images, SRTM and LIDAR. Geodetic data (GPS, DInSAR, PSInSAR). Geophysical prospections and boreholes. Use of databases of historical and instrumental seismicity. Databases of active fault of Italy (DISS and Ithaca). Seismotectonics and seismotectonic maps.