ALBERT

Beschreibung: N/A

Beschreibung: Published

Beschreibung: 23-34

Beschreibung: 4.2. TTC - Modelli per la stima della pericolosità sismica a scala nazionale

Beschreibung: 5.1. TTC - Banche dati e metodi macrosismici

Beschreibung: N/A or not JCR

Beschreibung: reserved

Beschreibung: Volcanic emissions were studied at Mount Etna (Italy) by using moss-bags technique. Mosses were exposed around the volcano at different distances from the active vents to evaluate the impact of volcanic emissions in the atmosphere. Morphology and mineralogy of volcanic particulate intercepted by mosses were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). Particles emitted during passive degassing activity from the two active vents, Bocca Nuova and North East Crater (BNC and NEC), were identified as silicates, sulfates and halide compounds. In addition to volcanic particles, we found evidences also of geogenic, anthropogenic and marine spray input. The study has shown the robustness of this active biomonitoring technique to collect particles, very useful in active volcanic areas characterized by continuous degassing and often not easily accessible to apply conventional sampling techniques.

Beschreibung: Published

Beschreibung: 1456–1464

Beschreibung: 4V. Vulcani e ambiente

Beschreibung: JCR Journal

Beschreibung: restricted

Beschreibung: About 120 rainwater samples were collected through a network of five bulk collectors in the area of the Louros basin (Epirus, Greece) during the wet season from October 2008 to August 2009. They were analysed for their isotopic (δD and δ18O) and chemical (H+, Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, NH4 +, F−, Cl−, Br−, NO3 −, SO4 2 −) composition. A local meteoric water line (δD‰ = 5.80 ± 0.02 δ18O‰ + 0.02 ± 0.12) and a local isotopic lapse rate (−0.18 δ18O‰/100 m) were obtained considering the volume-weighted means of the five sampling sites. These results agree well with those obtained in nearby areas. The chemical composition of the samples allows to identify an almost entirely marine origin for chloride and sodium with decreasing deposition values at increasing distance from the coast. Nitrate and ammonium are almost completely of anthropogenic origin, calcium and potassium are overwhelmingly geogenic, sulphate has a prevailingly anthropogenic origin with a significant marine contribution and magnesium has a mixedmarine and soil dust origin. Finally, as for most of the Mediterranean area, rainwater acidity is buffered by the dissolution of the abundant geogenic carbonate aerosol.

Beschreibung: Published

Beschreibung: 399-410

Beschreibung: 4.4. Scenari e mitigazione del rischio ambientale

Beschreibung: JCR Journal

Beschreibung: restricted

Beschreibung: Large earthquakes that have occurred in recent years in densely populated areas of the world (e.g. Izmit, Turkey, 17 August 1999; Duzce, Turkey, 12 November 1999; Chi-Chi, Taiwan 20 September 1999, Bhuj, India, 26 January 2001; Sumatra 26 December 2004; Wenchuan, China, May 12, 2008; L’Aquila, Italy, April 6, 2009; Haiti, January 2010 Turkey 2011) have dramatically highlighted the inadequacy of a massive portion of the buildings erected in and around the epicentral areas. For example, the Izmit event was particularly destructive because a large number of buildings were unable to withstand even moderate levels of ground shaking, demonstrating poor construction criteria and, more generally, the inadequacy of the application of building codes for the region. During the L’Aquila earthquake (April, 06, 2009; Mw=6.3) about 300 persons were killed and over 65,000 were left homeless (Akinci and Malagnini, 2009). It was the deadliest Italian earthquake since the 1980, Irpinia earthquake, and initial estimates place the total economic loss at over several billion Euros. Many studies have already been carried out describing the rupture process and the characteristics of local site effects for this earthquake (e.g. D’Amico et al., 2010a; Akinci et al., 2010). It has been observed that many houses were unable to withstand the ground shaking. Building earthquake-resistant structures and retrofitting old buildings on a national scale may be extremely costly and may represent an economic challenge even for developed western countries, but it is still a very important issue (Rapolla et al., 2008). Planning and design should be based on available national hazard maps, which, in turn, must be produced after a careful calibration of ground motion predictive relationships (Kramer, 1996) for the region. Consequently, the assessment of seismic hazard is probably the most important contribution of seismology to society. The prediction of the earthquake ground motion has always been of primary interest for seismologists and structural engineers. For engineering purposes it is necessary to describe the ground motion according to certain number of ground motion parameters such as: amplitude, frequency content and duration of the motion. However it is necessary to use more than one of these parameters to adequately characterize a particular ground motion. Updating existing hazard maps represents one of the highest priorities for seismologists, who contribute by recomputing the ground motion and reducing the related uncertainties. The quantitative estimate of the ground motion is usually obtained through the use of the so-called predictive relationships (Kramer, 1996), which allow the computation of specific ground-motion parameter as a function of magnitude, distance from the source, and frequency and they should be calibrated in the region of interest. However this is only possible if seismic records of large earthquakes are available for the specific region in order to derive a valid attenuation relationship regressing a large number of strong-motion data (e.g. Campbell and Bozorgnia, 1994; Boore et al., 1993; Ambraseys et al., 1996, Ambraseys and Simpson, 1996; Sabetta and Pugliese, 1987, 1996; Akkar and Bommer 2010). For the Italian region the most used attenuation relationships are those obtained by Sabetta and Pugliese (1987, 1996) regressing a few data recorded for earthquakes in different tectonic and geological environments. It has been shown in several cases that it is often not adequate to reproduce the ground motion in each region of the country using a single model. Furthermore the different crustal properties from region to region play a key role in this kind of studies. However, the attenuation properties of the crust can be evaluated using the background seismicity as suggested by Chouet et al. (1978) and later demonstrated by Raoff et al. (1999) and Malagnini et al (2000a, 2007). In other words, it becomes possible to develop regionallycalibrated attenuation relationships even where strong-motion data are not available. One of the purposes of this work is to describe quantitatively the regional attenuation and source characteristics for constraining the amplitude of strong motion expected from future earthquakes in the area. In this work we describe how to use the background seismicity to perform the analysis (details in Malagnini et. 2000a, 2007). In particular, this chapter describes the procedures and techniques to study the ground motion and will focus on describing both strong motion attenuation relationships and the techniques used to derive the ground motion parameters even when strong ground motion data are not available. We will present the results obtained for different regions of the Italian peninsula, showing that the attenuation property of the crust and of the source can significantly influence the ground motion. In addition, we will show that stochastic finite-fault modeling based on a dynamic frequency approach, coupled with field investigations, confirms to be a reliable and practical method to simulate ground motion records of moderate and large earthquakes especially in regions prone to widespread structural damage.

Beschreibung: Published

Beschreibung: 69-85

Beschreibung: open

Beschreibung: Volatile metal(loid)s are known to be emitted from volcanoes worldwide.We tested the suitability of active moss monitoring for tracking volatilemetal(loid)s released fromthe fumarolic field on Vulcano Island, Italy, and differentiated fumaroles from other sources of gaseous and particulate trace elements such as sea spray and soil.Metal(loid) accumulation on the mosses per day did depend neither on the state of the exposed moss (dead or living) nor exposure time (3, 6, or 9 weeks). After collection, mosses were digested with either HNO3/H2O2 or deionized water and analyzed by ICP-MS.While for most elements both extraction methods yielded similar concentrations, higher concentrations were observed e.g. for Pb in the stronger HNO3/H2O2 extracts, indicating the presence of particles, which were not digested and removed by filtration in deionized water extracts. Due to their ubiquitous detection in comparable concentrations at all 23 moss monitoring stations all over the island, Li, Mg and Sr were attributed to sea spray origin. Iron, Co, W, V, Pb, Cr, Mo, and Ba occurred predominantly at the crater, where the soil was not covered by vegetation, and thus likely represent soil-borne particulate transport. Arsenic, Sb, S, Se, Tl, Bi, and I showed a clear concentration maximum within the fumarolic field. Concentrations gradually decreased along a transect in wind direction fromthe fumaroles, which confirms their volcanic origin. Activemossmonitoring thus proved to be an inexpensive and easy-to-apply tool for investigations of volcanic metal(loid) emissions and distributions enabling differentiation of trapped elements by their source of origin.

Beschreibung: Published

Beschreibung: 30–39

Beschreibung: 4V. Vulcani e ambiente

Beschreibung: JCR Journal

Beschreibung: restricted

Beschreibung: Active biomonitoring using moss-bags was applied to an active volcanic environment for the first time. Bioaccumulation originating from atmospheric deposition was evaluated by exposing mixtures of washed and air-dried mosses (Sphagnum species) at 24 sites on Mt. Etna volcano (Italy). Concentrations of major and a large suite of trace elements were analysed by inductively coupled mass and optical spectrometry (ICP-MS and ICP-OES) after total acid digestion. Of the 49 elements analysed those which closely reflect summit volcanic emissions were S, Tl, Bi, Se, Cd, As, Cu, B, Na, Fe, Al. Enrichment factors and cluster analysis allowed clear distinction between volcanogenic, geogenic and anthropogenic inputs that affect the local atmospheric deposition. This study demonstrates that active biomonitoring with moss-bags is a suitable and robust technique for implementing inexpensive monitoring in scarcely accessible and harsh volcanic environments, giving time-averaged quantitative results of the local exposure to volcanic emissions. This task is especially important in the study area because the summit area of Mt. Etna is visited by nearly one hundred thousand tourists each year who are exposed to potentially harmful volcanic emissions.

Beschreibung: Published

Beschreibung: 1447–1455

Beschreibung: 4V. Vulcani e ambiente

Beschreibung: JCR Journal

Beschreibung: restricted

Beschreibung: Passive samplers were used to measure the atmospheric concentrations of SO2 naturally emitted at three volcanoes in Italy (Etna, Vulcano and Stromboli) and of H2S naturally emitted at three volcanic/geothermal areas in Greece (Milos, Santorini and Nisyros). The measured concentrations and dispersion patterns varied with the strength of the source (open conduits or fumaroles), the meteorological conditions and the area topography. At Etna, Vulcano and Stromboli, SO2 concentrations reach values that are dangerous to people affected by bronchial asthma or lung diseases (〉1000 μg m−3). H2S values measured at Nisyros also exceed the limit considered safe for the same group of people (〉3000 μg m−3). The data obtained using passive samplers represent time-averaged values over periods from a few days up to 1 month, and hence concentrations probably reached much higher peak values that were potentially also dangerous to healthy people. The present study provides evidence of a peculiar volcanic risk associated with tourist exploitation of active volcanic areas. This risk is particularly high at Mt. Etna, where the elderly and people in less-than-perfect health can easily reach areas with dangerous SO2 concentrations via a cableway and off-road vehicles

Beschreibung: Published

Beschreibung: 1-13

Beschreibung: 4.5. Studi sul degassamento naturale e sui gas petroliferi

Beschreibung: JCR Journal

Beschreibung: restricted

Beschreibung: In this study, we provide a complete description of the ground-motion characteristics of the western Anatolia region of Turkey. The attenuation of ground motions with distance and the variability in excitation with magnitude are parameterized using three-component 0.25-10.0 Hz earthquake ground motions at distances of 15 - 250 km. The data set is comprised of more than 11,600 three-component seismograms from 902 regional earthquakes of local magnitude (ML) 2.5 to 5.8, recorded during the Western Anatolia Seismic Recording Experiment (WASRE) between November 2002 and October 2003. We used regression analysis to relate the logarithm of measured ground motion to the excitation, site, and propagation effects. Instead of trying to reproduce the details of the high-frequency ground motion in the time domain, we use a source model and a regional scaling law to predict the spectral shape and amplitudes of ground motion at various source-receiver distances. We fit a regression to the peak values of narrow bandpass filtered ground velocity time histories, and root mean square and RMS-average Fourier spectral amplitudes for a range of frequencies to define regional attenuation functions characterized by piece-wise linear geometric spreading (in log-log space) and a frequency-dependent crustal Q(f). An excitation function is also determined, which contains the competing effects of an effective stress parameter k0 and a high-frequency attenuation term exp(-k0f). The anelastic attenuation coefficient for the entire region is given by Q(f) = 180f 0.55. The duration of motion for each record is defined as the value that yields the observed relationship between time-domain and spectral-domain amplitudes, according to random process theory. Anatolian excitation spectra are calibrated for our empirical results by using a Brune model with a stress drop of 10 MPa for the largest event in our data set (Mw 5.8) and a near-surface attenuation parameter of κ =0.045 s. These quantities, together with the effective duration of ground motion in the region, are used to estimate the peak ground motion (PGA, PGV). Using stochastic ground motion simulations, we predict the absolute level of ground shaking and compare them with strong-motion data in the region. The attenuation of simulated ground motion is compared with recent global and regional ground motion prediction equations (GMPEs). The performance of the stochastic model is also tested against small and intermediatesized earthquakes (the M3.9 11 November 2007, M5.9 17 October 2005 and M5.7 20 October 2005 Izmir-Urla earthquakes) recorded by strong motion stations in the National Strong Ground Motion Network (operated by the Earthquake Department of the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency, AFAD).

Beschreibung: Published

Beschreibung: 124-135

Beschreibung: 3T. Pericolosità sismica e contributo alla definizione del rischio

Beschreibung: JCR Journal

Beschreibung: restricted

Beschreibung: Real-time measurements of GEM and H2S discharged fromnatural and anthropogenic sources are a valuable tool to investigate the dispersion dynamics of these contaminants in air. In this study, a new approach to measure GEM and H2S concentrations in air, carried out by coupling a portable Zeeman atomic absorption spectrometer with high frequency modulation of light polarization (Lumex RA-915M) and a pulsed fluorescence gas analyzer (Thermo Scientific Model 450i), was applied to two distinct areas: (i) in the surroundings of Piancastagnaio (Siena, Central Italy), located in the eastern flanks ofMt. Amiata (a 200,000 years old volcano), where three geothermal plants are operating and whose exhaust gases are dispersed in the atmosphere after passing through the turbines and an abatement system to mitigate the environmental impact on air, and (ii) at Solfatara Crater (Campi Flegrei, Southern Italy), a volcanic apparatus characterized by intense hydrothermal activity. In 2014, seven GEMand H2S surveys were carried out in the two areas along pre-defined pathways performed by car at both the study sites. The lowest and highest recorded GEM and H2S concentrations at Piancastagnaio were up to 194 and 77 ng/m3, respectively, whilst at Solfatara Crater were up to 690 and 3392 μg/m3, respectively. Although the GEM concentrations at Piancastagnaio were lower than the limit value recommended by local regulations for outdoor environment (300 ng/m3), they were almost one order of magnitude higher than the GEM background both in Tuscany (~3.5 ng/m3) and Mt. Amiata (3–5 ng/m3), suggesting that the main source of GEM was likely related to the geothermal plants. At Solfatara Crater, the highest GEM values were recognized in proximity of the main fumarolic gas discharges. As far as the H2S concentrations are concerned, the guideline value of 150 μg/m3, recommended by WHO (2000), was frequently overcome in the study areas. Dot (in the surroundings of Piancastagnaio) and contour (at Solfatara Crater) maps for GEM and H2S concentrations built for each survey highlighted the important effects played by the meteorological parameters, the latter being measured by a Davis® Vantage Vue weather station. In particular, the GEM and H2S plumes were strongly affected by the wind speed and direction thatwere able to modify the dispersion of the two parameters in air in a matter of hours, indicating that the proposed analytical approach is able to produce a more realistic picture of the distribution of these air pollutants than that provided by using passive traps. Finally, the H2S/GEMratio, calculated by normalizing the measured GEM and H2S concentrations to their highest values (nH2S/GEM),was used as a good proxy for the chemical-physical processes that these two gas species can suffer once emitted in the air. In particular, H2S resulted to be more affected by secondary processes than GEM, possibly related to photochemical oxidation reactions.

Beschreibung: Published

Beschreibung: 48-58

Beschreibung: 4V. Vulcani e ambiente

Beschreibung: JCR Journal

Beschreibung: restricted

Beschreibung: In this study, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) measurements in air carried out using (a) passive/diffusive samplers (Radiello® traps) and (b) a high-frequency (60 s) real-time analyzer (Thermo® 450i) were compared in order to evaluate advantages and limitations of the two techniques. Four different sites in urban environments (Florence, Italy) and two volcanic areas characterized by intense degassing of H2S-rich fluids (Campi Flegrei and Vulcano Island, Italy) were selected for such measurements. The concentrations of H2S generally varied over 5 orders of magnitude (from 10 1e103 mg/m3), the H2S values measured with the Radiello® traps (H2SR) being significantly higher than the average values measured by the Thermo® 450i during the trap exposure (H2STa), especially when H2S was 〈30 mg/m3. To test the reproducibility of the Radiello® traps, 8 passive/diffusive samplers were contemporaneously deployed within an 0.2 m2 area in an H2S-contaminated site at Mt. Amiata (Tuscany, Italy), revealing that the precision of the H2SR values was ±49%. This large uncertainty, whose cause was not recognizable, is to be added to that related to the environmental conditions (wind speed and direction, humidity, temperature), which are known to strongly affect passive measurements. The Thermo® 450i analyzer measurements highlighted the occurrence of short-term temporal variations of the H2S concentrations, with peak values (up to 5732 mg/m3) potentially harmful to the human health. The Radiello® traps were not able to detect such temporal variability due to their large exposure time. The disagreement between the H2SR and H2STa values poses severe concerns for the selection of an appropriate methodological approach aimed to provide an accurate measurement of this highly toxic air pollutant in compliance with the WHO air quality guidelines. Although passive samplers may offer the opportunity to carry out low-cost preliminary surveys, the use of the high-frequency H2S analyzer is preferred when an accurate assessment of air quality is required. In fact, the latter provides precise real-time measurements for a reliable estimation of the effective exposure to hazardous H2S concentrations, giving insights into the mechanisms regulating the dispersion of this air pollutant in relation to the meteorological parameters.

Beschreibung: Published

Beschreibung: 51-58

Beschreibung: 4V. Vulcani e ambiente

Beschreibung: JCR Journal

Beschreibung: restricted