Scientific Research - Department Of Seismology

The Department of Seismology plays a central role in the national research system, focused on seismology, through research activities oriented toward the continuous monitoring and analysis of seismic activity, the processing of seismological data, and the development of scientific methodologies for assessing seismic sources and associated hazards.

Research is structured into two main domains, reflecting the configuration of the national monitoring network and strategic research priorities. The department is also advancing its expertise in seismic source modeling, statistical seismology, Machine Learning applications, and probabilistic seismic hazard assessment

Earthquake Seismology – Broadband Seismometric Network

This research field encompasses earthquake monitoring, seismic source characterization, and seismological data processing, while also developing methodologies for evaluating seismic activity.

Research areas:

• Seismic Monitoring
  • Automatic earthquake monitoring and real-time data processing
  • Event localization and characterization within the national seismometric network
  • Management and maintenance of the seismometric network and data repository
  • ShakeMap generation and real-time impact analysis
• Statistical Seismology
  • Spatial and temporal modeling of earthquake distribution
  • Application of statistical models for seismic activity (ETAS, Omori, etc.)
  • Analysis of seismic sequences (foreshocks, mainshocks, aftershocks)
  • Identification of seismic quiescence and triggered earthquakes
  • Development of algorithms for unifying seismological parameters
• Seismic Source Characterization
  • Computation and interpretation of moment tensors for significant earthquakes
  • Spectral analysis and evaluation of source parameters
  • Study of stress fields and tectonic strain accumulation in active zones
  • Focal mechanism analysis and source typology
  • Frequency spectrum analysis for energy release assessment

Strong Motion Seismology – Accelerometric Network

This research field focuses on the monitoring and analysis of strong ground motion through accelerometric data, aiming to assess the impact of earthquakes in both short-term emergency response and long-term seismic hazard scenarios.

Research areas:

• Strong Motion Monitoring
  • Continuous monitoring and processing of data from the accelerometric network
  • Analysis and modeling of recorded strong ground motion parameters
  • ShakeMap generation and evaluation of seismic impact on infrastructure
  • Spectral analysis of ground motion and seismic impact parameterization
• Impact and Hazard Assessment
  • Modeling of seismic intensity and identification of high-exposure zones
  • Probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA) for long-term risk assessment
  • Processing and modeling of macroseismic data
  • Application of Machine Learning techniques for seismic impact analysis