Rock-site amplification on topography at Introdacqua, Central Italy: a rock-fracturing effect?
摘要
The prominent N-S trending ridge of Mt. Plaia in Introdacqua, Central Apennines, village hosts the permanent rock-site seismic station IV.INTR, of the Italian seismic network RSN, recording higher amplitude levels and positive residuals in the magnitude estimation. Recent studies confirmed the occurrence of a directional amplification effect between 1 and 3 Hz, with maximum amplification along N160° azimuth. The observed amplification pattern cannot be explained in terms of stratigraphic amplification, nor by simply considering the resonant topography model. In order to deepen the understanding, we implement an array of ambient noise measurements. A detailed structural geological survey highlights the local presence of intensely fractured rocks possibly associated with a E-W fault zone located about 2 km toward south. The directional effect is limited to the hilltop area, close to IV.INTR, being related to the local tectonic structure rather than to the topography. Amplification effects at rock sites are still not prescribed in seismic design codes and therefore represents a crucial issue in the framework of seismic hazard.