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Man‐induced low‐frequency seismic events in Italy
Author(s) -
Latorre Diana,
Amato Alessandro,
Cattaneo Marco,
Carannante Simona,
Michelini Alberto
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1002/2014gl062044
Subject(s) - seismology , seismic noise , geology , tectonics , noise (video) , waveform , seismic microzonation , environmental seismic intensity scale , earthquake scenario , seismic hazard , telecommunications , engineering , radar , artificial intelligence , computer science , image (mathematics)
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.