Spatial and temporal distribution of seismicity before the Umbria-Marche September 26, 1997 earthquakes

Spatial and temporal distribution of seismicityoccurring prior to the Umbria-Marche earthquake ofSeptember 26, 1997, are studied. By applying the RTLprognostic parameter, a quiescence stage followed bya period of foreshock activation is observed beforethe event. The main shock occurred soon after therecovery of the RTL parameter to its normal backgroundlevel. An investigation of the clustering process isperformed on the earthquakes with M 3.5,occurred since 1989 in the area of the epicenter ofthe September 26, 1997 event. In comparison to theaverage background of the previous period, theincrease of the area of rupture activated during thetwelve months leading up to the Umbria-Marcheconcentrates in the vicinity of the main shock. Someresults of application of the time-to-failure model toseismicity before the Umbria-Marche main shock, arealso discussed.     

An attenuation study using earthquakes from the 1997 Umbria-Marche sequence

We studied spatial and temporal characteristics of seismic attenuation inCentral Italy using S- and coda- waves recorded by the MarchesanSeismograph Network from earthquakes located in the epicentral area ofthe 1997 Umbria-Marche sequence. The amplitude decay of the S waveswith distance was defined calculating empirical attenuation functions at 15frequencies between 1 and 25 Hz. We analyzed separately foreshocks andaftershocks and we found the same attenuation functions, suggesting thatthe possible temporal variations could be confined in a small area. Thefrequency dependence of Q _S was approximated by the equation Q _S=18 · f ^2.0between 1 and 10 Hz. At higher frequencies (10–25 Hz), the frequencydependence of Q _s weakens, having an average value of Q _S=990. We also estimated Q from coda waves (Q _C) using the single-scattering models of Aki andChouet (1975) and Sato (1977). We found that Q _C=77 · f ^0.6, (between 2 and 20Hz) at the western side of the mountain chain, using either foreshocks oraftershocks. This relation is consistent with previous estimates of Q _Creported for the Central Apennines. For a volume sampling the Colfioritobasin, the Apennines and the Marche region we found that Q _C=55 · f ^0.8,indicating highattenuation below the mountain belt. To detect small temporal changes ofQ, we calculated spectral ratios of 5 temporal doublets located in theepicentral area and recorded at the closest station. We found temporalchanges of Q that vary from 27% to 56%, depending on the locationof the doublets. This variability suggests that the temporal change ofattenuation may depend on the spatial variation of Q and perhaps on thespatial distribution of tectonic stress in the epicentral area.     

陕西泾阳4.8级地震前的波速比时空变化特征

利用陕西省地震台网的资料研究了１９９８年１月５日陕西泾阳Ｍｓ４．８地震前波速比的时空变化特征。结果表明,地震前其时间分布形态为持续低值异常—恢复—再次下降—拉锯式回升—发震。并对波速比异常的空间分布及其原因进行了初步的讨论。     

1997年9月26日意大利中部Umbria-marche地震前的水文地质变化

分析了1997年9月26日意大利中部Umbria与marche交界地区的Umbria-marche地震序列引起的水文体系的变化。为了量化水文体系的变化,从地方当局和矿泉水公司收集了地下水位、泉水的流量以及河水流速等的资料,这些资料可以确定异常的影响面积,并且可以通过与从震前几年资料估算出的年平均体系的对比来量化异常的变化,试图对异常进行判定。分析结果表明,两个含水单元,即Umbria-marche山峰和Val-nerina单元,具有紧密的联系,它们都由于水文系统的改变而受到影响。地震前几个月两条河流测量站记录到了异常变化,认为是地震前兆异常。     

A New Passive Tomography of the Aigion Area (Gulf of Corinth, Greece) from the 2002 Data Set

We present the results of a tomographic study performed in the framework of the 3F-Corinth project. The aim of this work is to better understand the rifting process by imaging the crustal structure of the western Gulf of Corinth. Forty-nine stations were deployed for a period of six months, allowing us to monitor the microseismicity. Delayed P and S first-arrival times have been simultaneously inverted for both hypocenter locations and 3-D velocity distributions. We use an improved linearized tomography method based on an accurate finite-difference travel-time computation to invert the data set. The obtained Vp and Vs models confirm the presence of a two-layer vertical structure characterized by a sharp velocity gradient lying at 5–7 km depth, which may be interpreted as a lithological contrast. The shallower part of the crust (down to 5 km depth) is controlled by the N-S extension and lacks seismicity. The deeper part (7–13 km depth) matches the seismogenic zone and is characterized by faster and more heterogeneous anomalies. In this zone, the background seismicity reveals a low-angle active surface dipping about 20° toward the north and striking WNW-ESE. The position of this active structure is consistent with both high Vp/Vs and low Vp.Vs anomalies identified at 8–12 km depth and suggesting a highly fracturated and fluid-saturated zone. Both the geometry of the active structure beneath the gulf and the presence of fluids at 8–12 km depth are in accordance with a low-angle detachment model for the western part of the Gulf of Corinth. S. Gautier and D. Latorre formerly at Géosciences Azur     

山西大同盆地震源机制解矛盾符号比及波速比变化的研究

选用山西地区 1990年至 2 0 0 1年 12 a的地震资料 ,采用格点尝试法、和达法分别计算了山西大同盆地震源机制解的各有关参数及平均波速比 ,探讨了该区震源机制解各参数及平均波速比在中强震前后的变化规律 ,得出山西大同盆地震源机制解矛盾符号比及波速比在主压应力 P轴取向稳定的条件下同步降低的负异常 ,与该区中强地震有一定的对应关系的结论。     

呼和浩特—包头地区平均波速比分区特征研究

内蒙古呼和浩特—包头地区地质构造复杂,历史上曾发生多次6级以上强地震。本文选取2001年以来该地区的ML≥1.0地震作为研究对象,根据地震空间分布和研究区域的台网布局,划分出4个子区域,分别计算了各个子区域的平均波速比,并对比分析其时间和空间变化;计算结果表明,各个子区域的平均波速比曲线随时间流逝的变化幅度相差较大,且呼和浩特地区的平均波速比明显低于其他3个地区的平均波速比,初步推断与呼和浩特地区的断裂构造分布及地下介质性质有关。震例研究结果显示,2003年托克托县ML4.6地震前震中区波速比变化过程为"下降—持续低值—回升发震"。     

Calibration of stochastic finite-fault ground motion simulations for the 1997 Umbria-Marche, Central Italy, earthquake sequence

The recent 1997 Umbria-Marche, Central Italy, earthquake sequence allowed us to model recorded ground motions using a method developed by Beresnev and Atkinson [Bull Seism Soc Am 87 (1997) 67–84; Seism Res Lett, 69 (1998) 27–32; Bull Seism Soc Am 88 (1998) 1392–1401]. The method generalizes the stochastic ground-motion simulation technique, developed for point sources, to the case of finite faults. It subdivides the fault plane into subfaults and assumes each subfault to be a point source with a ω² spectrum. Geometric spreading and regional anelastic attenuation are included in the model. The data include horizontal acceleration recordings from the SSN and ENEL databases of the 1997 Umbria-Marche events on 26 September, at 00:33 GMT, with M_w=5.7, and at 09:40 GMT, with M_w=6.0; and on 14 October at 15:23 GMT, with M_w=5.6. The strong motion simulations are performed using model parameters based on the results of previous studies, and adjusting the subfault size to calibrate the simulation model against recorded ground motions. Local site response is considered to account for observed amplification effects at specific recording sites (e.g. Nocera Umbra). A good agreement is found between the simulated response spectra and the recorded data, concluding that this method reproduces the salient ground-motion characteristics at different distances and azimuths.     

Observations of vertical ground accelerations exceeding gravity during the 1997 Umbria-Marche (central Italy) earthquakes

We found extensive evidence that the vertical ground accelerations produced during the largest shock (M = 6.0) of the 1997 Umbria-Marche earthquake sequence exceeded 1g in two areas close to the heavily-damaged villages of Annifo and Colle Croce. This evidence comes from the striking observation of thousands of freshly fractured and broken rocks and stones in these areas. Some of the broken stones lie isolated on soft detritic soil while others had been previously piled up, probably a long time agoto clear the fields for farming. The freshness of the cuts and fractures and the consistency of the observations for thousands of rocks and stones in these areas indicate that these rocks were thrown upwards during the earthquake, with breakage occurring at the time of impact. Ground motion calculations consistent with the static deformation inferred from GPS and interferometry data, show that the broken stones and rocks are found in the zone where the strongest shaking took place during the earthquake and that most of the shaking there was vertical.     

Simultaneous measurements of compressional wave and shear wave velocities, Poisson's ratio, and Vp/Vs under deep crustal pressure and temperature conditions: Example of silicified pelitic schist from Ryoke Belt, Southwest Japan

The ultrasonic technique for measuring travel times of compressional and shear waves using dual-mode transducers was adapted to a piston cylinder apparatus, allowing simultaneous measurements of travel times of compressional and shear waves of island arc samples under the high pressure and temperature conditions of island arcs. This method enables us to determine elastic properties and their pressure and temperature derivatives simultaneously. Furthermore, Vp/Vs can be directly determined from travel times of compressional and shear waves independently of length change due to compression or thermal expansion of rock samples under deep crustal conditions, providing more accurate Vp/Vs values than those determined from individual measurements of travel times of both elastic wave types using single-mode transducers. Experimental techniques and results are demonstrated using data on silicified pelitic schist from the Ryoke Belt to 0.6 GPa. The simultaneous measurement gives Vp  = 5.60 km/s, ∂ Vp /∂ P  = 0.090 (km/s)/GPa, Vs  = 3.37 km/s, ∂ Vs /∂ P  = 0.05 (km/s)/GPa, σ  = 0.216, and Vp / Vs  = 1.66 at ambient conditions. The temperature derivatives were constrained from fitting using linear functions of temperature, yielding ∂ Vp /∂ T  = −0.518 × 10⁻³ (km/s)/K and ∂ Vs /∂ T  = −0.182 × 10⁻³ (km/s)/K. Performing simultaneous measurements of travel times of compressional and shear waves using dual-mode transducers, it is possible to accurately determine Vp / Vs and Poisson's ratio of crustal minerals and rocks at deep crustal conditions to study the composition of the crustal interior, e.g. rock types and fluids below the hypocentral region of earthquakes or around bright spots.     

Multi—scale expression of spatial activity anomalies of earthquakes and its indicative significance on the space and time attributes of strong earthquakes

The noise model based on a trous wavelet algorithm produces a multi-scale expression of image through the combination of wavelet transform and a testing model of statistical significance.This kind of expression not only gives the formation and location of image structure on different scales,but also eliminates the influence of noise Since the algorithm does not need any priori hypotheses,it is suitable for the data with complex structure.The research line is employed in this paper to analyze the spatial activity of earthquake.The method of how to recognize and describe the multi-scale space activity of earthquake is emphatically discussed in this paper.Taking typical sequences in Southwest China as research cases,we systematically study the structure characters of spatial activity of earthquake on different scales.Results show that multi-scale space structure to some extent possesses indicative effect on strong epicenters.And the foreshock anomalies of Songpan seismic sequence also reveal interesting pattem during the spatial-temporal evolvement.     

九江-瑞昌主-余震的波速比变化初探

根据流动台网对九江-瑞昌地震序列的定位结果,采用单台波速比方法,计算各流动台的波速比变化,得出以下结果:①各台波速比存在一定幅度的变化,但变化形态不一致,这可能与震源区应力调整有关:九江台和武蛟台的波速比在2006年4月下中旬至6月中旬这段时间较明显处于低值区间,相应的主余震的M-T图显示余震活动在该段时间内强度和频度有较明显的增强.②沿以武蛟和狮子洞两台连线的NW走向的波速比最小,结合主-余震北西向较优势分布和震源机制解的其中一组NW向节面,推断北西向断裂可能是九江-瑞昌5.7级主震的发震构造.     

Spatio-temporal distribution of seismic activity during the Umbria-Marche crisis, 1997

We present the spatio-temporal distribution of more than 2000 earthquakesthat occurred during the Umbria-Marche seismic crisis, between September 26and November 3, 1997. This distribution was obtained from recordings of atemporary network that was installed after the occurrence of the first two largest shocks (Mw =, 5.7, Mw = 6.0) of September 26. This network wascomposed of 27 digital 3-components stations densely distributed in theepicentral area. The aftershock distribution covers a region of about 40 km long and about2 km wide along the NW-SE central Apennines chain. The activity is shallow,mostly located at less than 9 km depth. We distinguished three main zonesof different seismic activity from NW to SE. The central zone, that containsthe hypocenter of four earthquakes of magnitude larger than 5, was the moreactive and the more complex one. Sections at depth identify 40–50^°dipping structures that agree well with the moment tensor focalmechanisms results. The clustering and the migration of seismicity from NW to SE and the generalfeatures are imaged by aftershock distribution both horizontally and at depth.     

The 1997 Umbria-Marche earthquakes (Italy): relation between the surface tectonic breaks and the area of deformation

We classified the most outstanding rupturesof the 1997 Umbria-Marche seismic sequence assecondary tectonic effects that occur within the zoneof deformation induced by the deep displacement on theseismogenic structure. The trend of the surfacedeformation is homogeneous within the entire area ofinterest and consistent with NE-oriented extensionevidenced by CMT focal solutions of the three mainshocks. We extrapolate the discontinuous sites ofbreak measurements and suggest that the localdeformation concentrates along four narrow bands.Location and direction of these bands are locallycontrolled by pre-existing structures. The comparisonbetween our data with the seismological data – such asmain rupture planes and spatial aftershockdistribution – highlights that three bands mark partof the boundaries of the NW-SE elongated aftershocksarea and the fourth occurs where this area is widest.Moreover, the analysis of the structural setting ofthe area suggests that N-S shear zones have stronglycontrolled the extension of the main rupture segmentsand the aftershock distribution. The surface rupturesare located within the area of coseismic deformationresulting from DInSAR data; we propose that theyrepresent the localized response to the verticalground deformation of the area. Finally, we discussthe contribution of the pattern of the 1997 surfacebreaks to the characterization of the seismogenicsource.     

武定6.5级地震孕震过程测震学特征

研究了1995年10月24日云南省武定6．5级强震前的地震活动性参数、空间分布图象、距震中135km的巧家台振幅比、波速比演化特征，结果表明武定6．5级地震孕育发生有明显的阶段性变化，经历了早期（1988年4月－1992年7月），中期（1992年8月－1995年3月），晚期（1995年4月－1995年10月）阶段的发展，最终发生了强震。最后应用岩石破裂实验结果，分析了武定6．5级地震孕震过程。     

The 1997 Umbria-Marche (Italy) earthquake sequence: Tomographic images obtained from data of the GNDT-SSN temporary network

We present some preliminary images of the 3-D P-wavevelocity model and of the relocated seismicityobtained from the data collected by the GNDT-SSNtemporary network installed in the epicentral area ofthe earthquake sequence that followed the 26September, 1997, Central Italy main shock(M_w = 6.0). This network consisted of a total of 15stations, was deployed in the southern part of thearea affected by the earthquake sequence and operatedfor a total of 17 days starting on 10/18/97.Our results indicate that 1) the P-velocity structuredisplays a pattern of lateral variations consistentwith the general NW-SE trend of the Apennines in thearea; 2) the aftershock foci distribute, in thesouthern part of the sequence, on distinct and welldefined SW dipping planes which surface intersectionsmatch previously recognized active normal faults; 3)a distinct zone of aftershock quiescence is observedin correspondence of the 10/12 (M_L = 5.3) and10/14/97 (M_L = 5.7) hypocenters near Sellano; 4)the seismicity at the southern end is very shallow andit is unclear the relationship between the 1997 andthe 1979 Norcia sequences.     

Study of site effects in the area of Nocera Umbra (Central Italy) during the 1997 Umbria-Marche seismic sequence

During the M_L = 5.6 and 5.8 earthquakes occurredin central Italy on 26 September 1997 the historiccentre of Nocera Umbra, lying on top of a 120 m highhill, was diffusely damaged (VII-VIII degrees of MCSintensity). Some recently built houses in the modernpart of the town suffered an even higher level ofdamage. A temporary seismic array was deployed toinvestigate a possible correlation between localamplifications of ground motion in this area and theobserved pattern of damage. After a geologic andmacroseismic survey, eight sites were selected asrepresentative of different local conditions, such astopographic irregularities, sharp hard-to-softlithology transitions, alluvium-filled valleys, andboth undisturbed and deformed rocks.Horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratios for bothmicrotremor and earthquake recordings, as well asspectral ratios referred to undisturbed rock sites,were used to quantify local variations of groundmotion. In spite of the diffuse damage in the historiccentre of Nocera Umbra, a small amplification isobserved at the stations on the hill's top. Thissuggests that the higher vulnerability of the ancientbuildings mainly accounts for the diffuse damage inthat part of the town. In the frequency band ofengineering interest (1 to 10 Hz) the largestamplifications of ground motion are found at softsites: in the Topino river valley, where many episodesof severe structural damage occurred, spectralamplification is significant over a broad frequencyband ranging from 2 Hz to more than 20 Hz. Inparticular, in the central part of the valley highamplification (> 4) is found from 3 to 10 Hz,reaching a maximum of 20 around 4 Hz. At the edge ofthe valley, close to the soil-to-rock transition,amplification is as large as 10 in a frequency bandranging from 4 to more than 20 Hz. A significantamplification (by a factor of 10 around 10 Hz) isobserved also at one of the rock sites, possibly dueto the presence of a cataclastic zone related to theactivity of a regional fault that altered themechanical properties of the rock.     

The 1997 Umbria-Marche (Italy) earthquake sequence: analysis of the data recorded by the local and temporary networks

We present some preliminary results obtained from thejoined analysis of the data collected by the permanentand the temporary networks operating in the area ofthe earthquake sequence that followed (andanticipated) the 26 September, Central Italy, mainshocks. In particular, these earthquake data haveallowed us to determine a well constrainedwave-velocity model (both P and S) with stationcorrections which demonstrated to produce robusthypocentral locations. These velocity modelswith station corrections have been used forre-locating the whole September 1997–July 1998subset of data of the permanent network, and theprevious background seismicity, starting from May1996. The focal mechanisms of the largest events werealso obtained from an analysis of the first-motionpolarities.Our results indicate that 1) the seismic activityaligns on a SE-NW trend for a total length of about50 km of extension; 2) the focal depth of theseevents is restricted to the range 0–9 km; 3) mostevents can be related to sub-parallel SW dipping faultplanes; 4) focal mechanisms of the largest shocks(M_L > 4) show a coherent behaviour, withnormal fault solution on SSE-NNW striking, SW dippingplanes; 5) the space-time evolution of the activitydisplays a discontinuous mode of energy release, withdifferent episodes of activation and an apparentclustering of aftershocks at the edges of the areaswhich presumably ruptured in the main shocks.     

新疆和周边地区地壳厚度和Vp/Vs比值变化的接收函数约束

我们用修订后的接收函数H-K叠加算法估计了新疆和周边地区90个地震台站下的地壳厚度和波速比Vp/Vs.该地区平均地壳厚度约为52 km,变化范围约为33～79 km.最厚地壳位于西昆仑山的TAG台站,最薄地壳在塔拉斯-费尔干那断层附近的NRN台站.对每个台站的点地壳厚度估计结果进行了线性各向同性变差模型的标准克里金空间...