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Anomalous far‐field geodetic signature related to the 2009 L'Aquila (central Italy) earthquake
Author(s) -
Atzori Simone,
Chiarabba Claudio,
Devoti Roberto,
Bonano Manuela,
Lanari Riccardo
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
terra nova
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.353
H-Index - 89
eISSN - 1365-3121
pISSN - 0954-4879
DOI - 10.1111/ter.12040
Subject(s) - geology , geodetic datum , seismology , geodesy , global positioning system , kinematics , tectonics , fault (geology) , displacement (psychology) , signature (topology) , geometry , psychology , telecommunications , physics , classical mechanics , computer science , psychotherapist , mathematics
Abstract The broad availability of geodetic measurements for the M w 6.3 April 6th 2009 L'Aquila earthquake allowed an unprecedented description of the co‐ and post‐seismic ground deformations, leading to the definition of the Paganica fault geometry and kinematics. Through DI n SAR , we found, in a wide area of 20 kilometres on the Paganica hangingwall, a further displacement up to 7 cm, which might have occurred in the earthquake proximity. In this study, we explore the possibility of the co‐, post‐ and pre‐seismic alternative scenarios. Although our data are not sufficient to undoubtedly prove that this signal occurred before the main event, this seems to be the most likely hypothesis based on tectonics constraints and image acquisition times. The nature of this deformation remains unclear, but we speculate that deep fluids played a role. These results can drive ad hoc requirements for future space‐based missions and design of the GPS network.