Research – Seismology
The seismic hazard defines the probability with which an earthquake of a certain magnitude will occur in a particular place in a time interval.
To define the seismic hazard using information on historical earthquakes, tectonics and geology, historical descriptions of damage and models of wave propagation. The estimation of seismic hazard is the first step to assess and reduce the seismic risk, defined as the product of seismic hazard and information on local soil, exposed elements (population density and space utilization ) and vulnerability (in particular, the type and quality of buildings and infrastructure).
A proper evaluation of the seismic hazard of an area derives from the integration of the Seismic Hazard of rigid substrate with a careful assessment of the possible effects of local seismic amplification.
The Laboratory of Geophysics Sperimetale cares greatly to the problems of seismic amplification, by means of experimental campaigns of the seismic measurement and numerical modeling. The activities in this area, started as a result of the Umbria -Marche earthquake of 1996, they have developed over the years by numerous research experience carried out in Umbria, Marche and Abruzzo, in particular, in Toscana.Le analysis methodologies used range from noise analysis, the analysis of earthquakes with reference site and mono-and two-dimensional numerical modeling.
The laboratory currently operates a network of 3 stations seismometric installed around Florence, which are radio – transmitted on the premises of Dipartimeno of Earth Sciences. There are numerous campaigns temporary measure, and for the localization of aftershoks as a result of seismic events in Mugello in 2008 and 2009 and for the evaluation of the seismic response of land and buildings.