Multiparameter approach for seismic risk evaluation through environmental monitoring

In this paper the Authors describe an innovative experimental approach useful to consider the seismic risk through a dedicated environmental monitoring. Taking into account the analogy between acoustic (AE), electromagnetic (EME), nuclear emissions and seismic activity it will be possible to set up a sort of alarm systems that could be at the base of a warning network. Considering the analogy between AE and seismic activity, AE associated with microcracks are monitored and power-law frequency vs. magnitude statistics are observed. Furthermore, the EM signals detected during failure of materials are analogous to the anomalous radiation of geoelectromagnetic waves observed before major earthquakes, reinforcing the idea that the EM effect can be applied as a forecasting tool for seismic events. Moreover, neutron emissions measured at seismic areas exceeded the usual neutron background up to three orders of magnitude in correspondence to seismic activity and rather appreciable earthquakes, greater than or equal to the 4th degree in the Richter scale magnitude. The Authors present improved analysis with respect to that carried out by other research groups. The studies start from experimental data acquired in summer 2008 at the “Testa Grigia” Laboratory in Cervinia, Italy, in the framework of an experimental campaign devoted to the monitoring of neutron radiation from cosmic rays. More recent data refer to a dedicated experimental campaign carried out in January 2013 in the north of Italy, in the seismic district of “Val Trebbia”, Bettola, Piacenza. In addition, preliminary results, acquired at a gypsum mine situated in the Northern Italy (Murisengo, AL) and related to the evaluation of acoustic, electromagnetic and nuclear phenomena are reported. The monitoring system is based on the simultaneous acquisition of the various physical quantities through different sensors integrated into the structures of the mine that control the structural stability and perform at the same time the environment monitoring for the seismic risk evaluation.