Seismic Multi-Hazard Mitigation from Source to Satellite: Applications and Technological Development

A special issue of Geosciences (ISSN 2076-3263).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 April 2021) | Viewed by 31138

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1. CNR - ISMAR (Institute of Marine Sciences), Naples, Italy
2. Associate Researcher National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) - Vesuvius Observatory, Naples, Italy
3. Contract Professor University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
Interests: seismic hazard; seismology; induced seismicity; early-warning; induced landslide; modelling; seismic tomography; environmental Science

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Guest Editor
Geology Department, Liege University, 4000 Liege, Belgium
Interests: coupled geohazards; seismic hazard assessment; seismic microzonation; giant mass movements; loess landslides; landslide susceptibility; mining hazards; dams; landslide impacts in lake and sea shore environments; geophysics; numerical modeling; virtual reality
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Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Osservatorio Vesuviano, Naples, Italy
Interests: natural hazard; remote sensing; seismology; modelling; solid earth geophysics

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Guest Editor
​Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
Interests: landslide; landslide dam; liquefaction; field monitoring of landslide; mechanics of granular material
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Institut Français des Sciences et Technologies des Transports de l'Aménagement et des Réseaux (IFSTTAR-Paris), Marne-la-Vallee, France
Interests: numerical modelling; earthquake-induced landslides; soil mechanics; slope stability; site effects
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Geodynamics Research Centre – Branch of JSC "Hydroproject Institute", 125993, 2, Volokolamsk Highway, Moscow, Russia
Interests: seismic hazard assessment; paleoseismology; active faults; rockslides and rock avalanches
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Swiss Seismological Service at ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland & Institute of Geological Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
Interests: paleoseismology; limnogeology; tsunamis; mass movements
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue “Seismic Multi-Hazard Mitigation from Source to Satellite: Applications and Technological Development” in Geosciences from MDPI is intended to collect high-quality publications in the fields of applied seismology and geophysics, engineering geology and geotechnics, and paleoseismology and earthquake geology, considering also social aspects of seismic risk. Papers should discuss recent analyses of multiple types of surface and ground motion effects, as well as cascading hazards (including dam formation and breaching, and mass movement impacts on lakes and post-seismic debris flows), induced by earthquakes. Related studies may focus on ancient, historical, or recent events; on back-analyses, local, and regional (probabilistic) hazard assessment; or on scenario calculations. Particularly welcome are contributions discussing the use of various investigation and simulation methods to evaluate seismically induced landslide hazards, analysing extreme seismic ground failure susceptibility (including liquefaction) in weak soils, such as loess and volcanic deposits, relating multiple ground failure processes to elastic seismic ground motion characteristics, assessing trigger mechanisms over short and longer terms, in soils and rocks, both in subaerial and subaquatic environments, near the activated fault (and the possible related surface rupture) or far from the epicentre.

Additionally, the long-term effects of socioeconomic impacts of earthquakes are also considered as relevant aspects in this issue. Source characterization, signal propagation, and modification due to the geological structures as well as the interaction with the anthropic structures are being deeply investigated by different research disciplines. In recent years, physics, seismology, mathematics, geology, and engineering, to name but a few, have combined interest, data, and experiences, focusing on earthquake dynamics to improve knowledge and mitigate the consequences.

The main goal of this Special Issue of Geosciences is to present the state-of-the-art of the latest and wide approaches toward seismic hazard mitigation. The submission of original research articles or technical notes on numerical simulation, seismic source characterization, site effects, remote sensing analysis, hazard, or susceptibility mapping are encouraged. Moreover, the submission of case studies, applied research as well as short notes and opinion papers is also strongly encouraged.

Therefore, we would like to invite you to submit your contribution as part of a collection of a broadened framework of seismic hazard approaches used toward defining the complexity of the topic and taking advantage of the most recent strategies in mitigation.

Dr. Mauro Caccavale
Dr. Hans-Balder Havenith
Dr. Giorgio Dalla Via
Dr. Gonghui Wang
Dr. Céline Bourdeau
Dr. Alexander L. Strom
Dr. Katrina Kremer 
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • Hazard mapping 
  • Induced seismicity 
  • Susceptibility mapping 
  • Site effect 
  • Early warning system 
  • Seismic effects mitigation 
  • Remote sensing
  • Machine learning 
  • GIS 
  • InSAR

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

25 pages, 1933 KiB  
Article
Landslide Susceptibility Mapping in the Vrancea-Buzău Seismic Region, Southeast Romania
by Hasnaa Harmouzi, Romy Schlögel, Marta Jurchescu and Hans-Balder Havenith
Geosciences 2021, 11(12), 495; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences11120495 - 3 Dec 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2845
Abstract
This study presents the results of a landslide susceptibility analysis applied to the Vrancea-Buzău seismogenic region in the Carpathian Mountains, Romania. The target area is affected by a large diversity of landslide processes. Slopes are made-up of various types of rocks, climatic conditions [...] Read more.
This study presents the results of a landslide susceptibility analysis applied to the Vrancea-Buzău seismogenic region in the Carpathian Mountains, Romania. The target area is affected by a large diversity of landslide processes. Slopes are made-up of various types of rocks, climatic conditions can be classified as wet, and the area is a seismically active one. All this contributes to the observed high landslide hazard. The paper analyses the spatial component of the landslide hazard affecting the target area, the regional landslide susceptibility. First, an existing landslide inventory was completed to cover a wider area for the landslide susceptibility analysis. Second, two types of methods are applied, a purely statistical technique, based on correlations between landslide occurrence and local conditions, as well as the simplified spatial process-based Newmark Displacement analysis. Landslide susceptibility maps have been produced by applying both methods, the second one also allowing us to simulate different scenarios, based on various soil saturation rates and seismic inputs. Furthermore, landslide susceptibility was computed both for the landslide source and runout zones—the first providing information about areas where landslides are preferentially triggered and the second indicating where landslides preferentially move along the slope and accumulate. The analysis showed that any of the different methods applied produces reliable maps of landslide susceptibility. However, uncertainties were also outlined as validation is insufficient, especially in the northern area, where only a few landslides could be mapped due to the intense vegetation cover. Full article
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34 pages, 19943 KiB  
Article
Site Effect Potential in Fond Parisien, in the East of Port-au-Prince, Haiti
by Sophia Ulysse, Dominique Boisson, Valmy Dorival, Kelly Guerrier, Claude Préptit, Léna Cauchie, Anne-Sophie Mreyen and Hans-Balder Havenith
Geosciences 2021, 11(4), 175; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences11040175 - 12 Apr 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2733
Abstract
In the frame of a Belgo-Haitian cooperation project (PIC 2012–2016), a study of the local seismic hazard was performed in Fond Parisien, an area located on the foothills of the “Massif de la Selle”, along the easternmost portion of the Enriquillo Plantain Garden [...] Read more.
In the frame of a Belgo-Haitian cooperation project (PIC 2012–2016), a study of the local seismic hazard was performed in Fond Parisien, an area located on the foothills of the “Massif de la Selle”, along the easternmost portion of the Enriquillo Plantain Garden Fault (EPGF). The H/V Spectral Ratio (HVSR) technique was applied to study the resonance frequency of the target areas and the azimuth of the wave field. The amplification factors were estimated using Standard Spectral Ratios obtained from earthquakes recorded by a temporary seismic network. Using the Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves method, the seismic properties of the shallow layers were investigated. Then, the results were compared to local Electrical Resistivity Tomography data. These results highlight, in the central part of Fond Parisien, an E-W zone of low velocities ranging from 200 m/s to 450 m/s and low resistivities between 1 Ωm and 150 Ωm, due both to tectonic folding of the rocks and to the presence of sediment filling in the eastern part. The latter is marked, in most of its sites, by resonances at one or more frequencies ranging from 0.7 Hz to 20 Hz. Infiltration and storage of brackish water in the underground layers also contribute to the low resistivity values. With the noise HVSR data, we also evidenced a significant influence of the EPGF on the main orientation of the seismic wavefield as in the vicinity of this fault, the azimuths are parallel to the orientation of the fault. Overall, the results also show greater potential for site effects in the block formed by the sedimentary basin and strong amplification of the seismic ground motion for the sites bordering the basin to the north and west. We interpret the amplification in the north and south-west as probably originating from topographic irregularities locally coupled with sediment deposits, while in the center of the western part, the site effects could be explained by the presence of folds and related weakened and softened rocks. By the integration of several geophysical methods, we could distinguish areas where it is possible to build more safely. These zones are located in the northern part and encompass Quisqueya Park and neighboring areas as well as the village “La Source” in the southern part. In the rest of Fond Parisien, i.e., in the more central and eastern parts, buildings should be erected with caution, taking into account the nearby presence of the EPGF and the influence of fine sediments on the amplification of the seismic motion. Full article
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26 pages, 14443 KiB  
Article
Site Amplification Analysis of Dushanbe City Area, Tajikistan to Support Seismic Microzonation
by Farkhod Hakimov, Gisela Domej, Anatoly Ischuk, Klaus Reicherter, Lena Cauchie and Hans-Balder Havenith
Geosciences 2021, 11(4), 154; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences11040154 - 31 Mar 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5113
Abstract
Being a country exposed to strong seismicity, the estimation of seismic hazard in Tajikistan is essential for urbanized areas, such as the rapidly growing capital city Dushanbe. To ensure people’s safety and adequate construction work, a detailed seismic microzonation is the key to [...] Read more.
Being a country exposed to strong seismicity, the estimation of seismic hazard in Tajikistan is essential for urbanized areas, such as the rapidly growing capital city Dushanbe. To ensure people’s safety and adequate construction work, a detailed seismic microzonation is the key to proper hazard planning. Existing estimations of seismic hazard date back to 1978; they are based on engineering geological investigations and observed macroseismic data. Thereupon relies the Tajik Building Code, which considers seismic intensities according to the Medvedev–Sponheuer–Karnik Scale, MSK-64. However, this code does not accurately account for soil types, which vary considerably in Dushanbe—not only by their nature, but also due to increasing anthropogenic influences. In this study, we performed a series of analyses based on microtremor array measurements, seismic refraction tomography, and instrumental data recording from permanent stations for standard spectral ration and from mobile seismic stations for the horizontal to vertical spectral ratio in order to provide a comprehensive full-cover microzonation of Dushanbe accounting for soil types. Our results identify several critical areas where major damage is likely to occur during strong earthquakes. Full article
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27 pages, 10405 KiB  
Article
Engineering-Geological Features Supporting a Seismic-Driven Multi-Hazard Scenario in the Lake Campotosto Area (L’Aquila, Italy)
by Benedetta Antonielli, Francesca Bozzano, Matteo Fiorucci, Salomon Hailemikael, Roberto Iannucci, Salvatore Martino, Stefano Rivellino and Gabriele Scarascia Mugnozza
Geosciences 2021, 11(3), 107; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences11030107 - 27 Feb 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2506
Abstract
This paper aims to describe the seismic-driven multi-hazard scenario of the Lake Campotosto artificial basin (Abruzzo Region, Central Italy), and it can represent a preparatory study for a quantitative multi-hazard analysis. A comprehensive multi-hazard scenario considers all the effects that can occur following [...] Read more.
This paper aims to describe the seismic-driven multi-hazard scenario of the Lake Campotosto artificial basin (Abruzzo Region, Central Italy), and it can represent a preparatory study for a quantitative multi-hazard analysis. A comprehensive multi-hazard scenario considers all the effects that can occur following the base ground shaking, providing a holistic approach to assessing the real hazard potential and helping to improve management of disaster mitigation. The study area might be affected by a complex earthquake-induced chain of geologic hazards, such as the seismic shaking, the surface faulting of the Gorzano Mt. Fault, which is very close to one of the three dams that form the Lake Campotosto, and by the earthquake-triggered landslides of different sizes and typologies. These hazards were individually and qualitatively analyzed, using data from an engineering-geological survey and a geomechanical classification of the rock mass. With regard to the seismic shaking, a quantitative evaluation of the seismic response of the Poggio Cancelli valley, in the northern part of Lake Campotosto, was performed, highlighting different seismic amplification phenomena due to morphologic and stratigraphic features. Some insights about the possible multi-hazard approaches are also discussed. Full article
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30 pages, 31917 KiB  
Article
Analysis of the Influence of Structural Geology on the Massive Seismic Slope Failure Potential Supported by Numerical Modelling
by Emilie Lemaire, Anne-Sophie Mreyen, Anja Dufresne and Hans-Balder Havenith
Geosciences 2020, 10(8), 323; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences10080323 - 18 Aug 2020
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4851
Abstract
The stability of rock slopes is often guided significantly by the structural geology of the rocks composing the slope. In this work, we analysed the influences of structural characteristics, and of their seismic responses, on large and deep-seated rock slope failure development. The [...] Read more.
The stability of rock slopes is often guided significantly by the structural geology of the rocks composing the slope. In this work, we analysed the influences of structural characteristics, and of their seismic responses, on large and deep-seated rock slope failure development. The study was focused on the Tamins and Fernpass rockslides in the European Alps and on the Balta and Eagle’s Lake rockslides in the southeastern Carpathians. These case studies were compared with catastrophic rock slope failures with ascertained or very likely seismic origin in the Tien Shan Mountains. The main goals was to identify indicators for seismically-induced rock slope failures based on the source zone rock structures and failure scar geometry. We present examples of failures in anti-dip slopes and along-strike rock structures that were potentially (or partially) caused by seismic triggering, and we also considered a series of mixed structural types, which are more difficult to interpret conclusively. Our morpho-structural study was supported by distinct element numerical modelling that showed that seismic shaking typically induces deep-seated deformation in initially “stable” rock slopes. In addition, for failures partially triggered by dynamic shaking, these studies can help identify the contribution of the seismic factor to slope instability. The identification of the partial seismic origin on the basis of the dynamic response of rock structures can be particularly interesting for case histories in less seismically active mountain regions (in comparison with the Andes, Tien Shan, Pamirs), such as in the European Alps and the Carpathian Mountains. Full article
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24 pages, 12388 KiB  
Article
A New Landslide Inventory for the Armenian Lesser Caucasus: Slope Failure Morphologies and Seismotectonic Influences on Large Landslides
by Alice O. Matossian, Hayk Baghdasaryan, Ara Avagyan, Hayk Igityan, Mikayel Gevorgyan and Hans-Balder Havenith
Geosciences 2020, 10(3), 111; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences10030111 - 20 Mar 2020
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 6451
Abstract
Landslide hazard analyses in Armenia require consideration of the seismotectonic context of the Lesser Caucasus. As it is located near the center of the Arab-Eurasian collision, the Lesser Caucasus is characterized by its complex geology, dense fault network and mountainous relief; it is [...] Read more.
Landslide hazard analyses in Armenia require consideration of the seismotectonic context of the Lesser Caucasus. As it is located near the center of the Arab-Eurasian collision, the Lesser Caucasus is characterized by its complex geology, dense fault network and mountainous relief; it is marked by recent volcanic and seismic activity largely influencing slope stability at different scales. We therefore sought to identify all major landslides in the Armenian Lesser Caucasus and to understand the environmental factors contributing to regional landslide susceptibility. We performed spatial and size-frequency analyses using two landslide catalogues as inputs: “Georisk”, provided by the Georisk Scientific Research Company, and “Matossian”, herein. Our spatial analyses show that landslide susceptibility depends on many factors according to the area considered: near faults, a tectonic influence on slope stability is clearly observable, whereas high concentrations of landslides in northern mountain regions, marked by a wetter climate and far from known active faults, show that climatic factors also strongly contribute to slope-failure potential. The influence of volcanoes and volcanic deposits on the development of mass movements is unclear and requires further analysis. The aforementioned inventories do not include any records of volcanic flank collapses, although we expect at least one case in the eastern Lesser Caucasus. Full article
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19 pages, 8469 KiB  
Article
Slope Stability in a Multi-Hazard Eruption Scenario (Santorini, Greece)
by Giovanni Forte, Melania De Falco, Nicoletta Santangelo and Antonio Santo
Geosciences 2019, 9(10), 412; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences9100412 - 24 Sep 2019
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5335
Abstract
Under the European FP7 SNOWBALL project (2014–2017), the island of Santorini was used as a case study to validate a procedure to assess the possible multiple cascading effects caused by volcanic eruptions. From January 2011 to April 2012, the area was affected by [...] Read more.
Under the European FP7 SNOWBALL project (2014–2017), the island of Santorini was used as a case study to validate a procedure to assess the possible multiple cascading effects caused by volcanic eruptions. From January 2011 to April 2012, the area was affected by low to moderate (Mw <3.2) seismic shaking, which caused concern regarding a possible volcanic eruption that ultimately failed to materialize. Assuming the worst-case scenario of a sub-Plinian eruption, this study provides insights into the approach adopted by the SNOWBALL project to identify the most critical areas (hot spots) for slope stability. Geological field surveys, thematic maps, and geomorphological data on aerial photos and landform interpretation were adopted to assess the static susceptibility. The eruption scenario is related to two different phenomena: a pre-eruption earthquake (Mw 5.2) and the subsequent ash fallout deposition following the prevailing winds. Landslide susceptibility in seismic conditions was assessed through the HAZUS approach and the estimate of Newmark displacements (u), while the critical areas for ash fallout mobilization were assessed adopting empirical relationships. The findings are summarized in a scenario map reporting the most critical areas and the infrastructures most vulnerable to such phenomena. Full article
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