Background

We focuse on understanding the physical processes governing earthquake dynamics and the mechanics of crustal faults. A primary goal is to detect and analyze the deformation processes before large earthquakes (at various scales), and identify potential upcoming cascading events. While our emphasis is on seismological processes, with our research we aim to cover the entire spectrum of fault deformation from fully aseismic to dynamic rupture (earthquakes). Currently, we mainly analyze deformation and deformation transients on natural plate boundary faults including transform boundaries (e.g. North Anatolian Fault Zone, East Anatolian Fault Zone, San Andreas Fault) and extensional environments (e.g. those present in central and southern Italy). To this end, we carefully design, implement and maintain dense seismic deployments that enable optimal monitoring conditions of target faults. With our international partners we characterize long-term spatio-temporal changes in seismic activity and analyze catalogue-based diagnostic attributes to unravel the physics and stress field evolution governing earthquakes in different tectonic settings. We also analyze and compare these processes on natural faults with those occurring at the scale of geo-reservoirs for sub-surface utilization, with special emphasis on seismicity processes related to fluids. Our analysis at these scales is inspired and complemented by the findings from our laboratory rock deformation experiments, which allow to have a better control of the stress and boundary conditions. With our research, we deliver physics-based output to improve earthquake hazard and subsequent risk assessment.

Key scientific questions

Related projects

QUAKEHUNTER | Real-time monitoring of earthquake nucleation for faults near urban areas

SAIDAN | Seismic and Aseismic Deformation in the Brittle Crust

GONAF | A Geophysical Observatory of the North Anatolian Fault