Map of the 84 earthquakes under investigation (1600-2020). Sannio-Matese (33 events including 9 with Magnitude>5); Mefite (26 events including 12 with Magnitude>5); Pollino (25 events including 9 with Magnitude>5).
WP2 – Historical seismicity
Participants: Luigi Cucci, Andrea Tertulliani and Corrado Castellano
Aim of the WP
To provide data of hydrological changes associated with earthquakes occurred in the past within the three target areas (Sannio Matese; Mefite d’Ansanto; Pollino).
Hydrological changes can be classified in different types, i.e. formation and/or disappereance of springs, variations in the discharge of springs, changes in the water level of wells, increase or decrease of streamflows, liquefaction, and variation in the chemical-physical characteristics of waters.
We decided to investigate earthquakes with magnitude larger than 4, occurred between 1660 and 2020. The initial database was composed of 84 seismic events more or less equally distributed in the three target areas, about one third with magnitude larger than 5.
What are the sources where we can reasonably find data of hydrological changes associated with an earthquake?
Genre literature, local chronicles and diaries, newspapers (in local and/or private libraries, state archives, ecclesiastical archives) for older earthquakes (pre 1980). Known databases (seismic catalogues, macroseismic postcards, hydrological annals) and scientific literature for modern earthquakes (post 1980).
A further note to point out that during our research it can happen to find some new macroseismic observation about already known earthquakes or even to find accounts about earthquakes completely unknown so far. Some other information can be useful for other WP like data retrieval of interest to WP5 Geospace.