Corsi di studi in Scienze Geologiche (L-34 e LM-74)

To provide an adequate preparation both scientific and technical for the study of seismic and volcanic risk and its applications to territorial planning. The first part of the course will introduce the student to the application of the "anti-seismic" normative and to the use of a methodology for seismic data analysis (both historical and site specific) for local site response analysis, liquefaction risk definition and seismic micro-zoning. The second part of the course will address the problems associated with the volcanic risk in relation to the different eruptive centers and their related man-made situations.

Knowledge of basic concepts of seismology and acquisition of methodologies for the analysis of seismic events and paroxysmal eruptive phenomena. Probabilistic assessments and hazard analyses for the preparation of thematic maps. Analitical methods for seismic site response analysis and liquefaction risck. Knowledge of various procedures in the process of monitoring and activation of emergencies.

The examination is intended to ascertain the level of achievement of the expected learning outcomes for both the seismic risk and volcanic risk. The written test consists of questions about the theoretical and applied concepts of seismic and volcanic risk and methodologies for their site-specific assessment and mitigation. The written test can be replaced by a report, produced by the student, evaluating the seismic risk for a specific site applying the methods learned during class exercises and a report on an application example of volcanic risk. After correction of the written exam or of the reports the student is invited for an oral exam. This is a review of the documents produced informing the student on the criteria of correction and, if receiving any clarifications by the student, deciding whether to modify the judgment; open questions in order to check the ability of synthesis of the knowledge acquired; a discussion of the reports or parts of the script; the discussion is designed to verify the ability to apply the knowledge attained.

Nature and origin of earthquakes. Seismic scales and seismic maps. Collection of seismic data and available data banks. Historic seismicity and regional geology with particular emphasis to the Italian peninsula. Focal mechanisms of earthquakes and their graphical interpretation. Types of earthquakes and high-magnitude earthquakes. Mitigation of seismic risk and geophysical and geotechnical techniques in estimating seismic risk in urban development and planning. Dinamic soil behaviour and methodological methods for seismic site response analisis and liquefaction risk.
Types of volcanic risk and quantification of volcanic risk (Values-Vulnerability-Hazard). Selected examples of volcanic risk in Italy. The case of Mount Vesuvius. Cartography and volcanic risk. Risks connected with explosive events, lava flows and lahars. Precursory signals of volcanic eruptions. Volcano monitoring and mitigation of volcanic risk. Geochemical and geophysical thresholds and volcanic alert (e.g. the USGS protocol). Catastrophic events, evacuation plans and social implications.

Bolt A.(1986). I terremoti, Zanichelli Editore, 238 p.
Riga G.(2008) Microzonazione sismica, Dario Flaccovio Editore, 271 p.
Scandone R., Giacomelli L. (2002) Vulcanologia. Liguori Editore, Napoli,
660 p.
The consultation of the following material is also suggested:
L. Casertano 1996. Vulcani e terremoti. Edizioni Scientifiche Italiane, 428
p .
L. Giacomelli & R. Scandone, 2007. I Vulcani d’Italia, Liguori Editore, 475 p.