AdriaArray temporary deployment in the Po Plain and Sardinia (Italy)

<p>This note focuses on the ground motion recorded during the recent moderate earthquakes that occurred in the central part of northern Italy (Panel 1), a region that is characterized by low seismicity. For this area, the Italian seismic hazard map [Stucchi et al. 2011] assigns a maximum horizontal acceleration (rock site) of up to 0.2 g (10% probability of being exceeded in 50 yr). In the last 4 yr, this region has been struck by 9 earthquakes in the magnitude range 4 <span>≤</span>M<span>w </span><span>≤</span> 5.0, with the three largest located in the Northern Apennines (the M<span>w </span>4.9 and 5.0 Parma events, in December 2008 and January 2012) and on the Po Plain (the M<span>w </span>4.9 Reggio Emila event, in January 2012). We have analyzed the strong-motion data (distance <300 km) from these events as recorded by stations belonging to the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (RAIS, http://rais.mi.ingv.it; RSNC, http://iside.rm.ingv.it) and the Department of Civil Protection (RAN, www.protezionecivile.it; http://itaca.mi.ingv.it). […]</p>

Simple SummaryIn the last decades, a significant recovery and natural expansion of the wolf (Canis lupus) populations has occurred across Europe. This remarkable recolonisation was made possible by the high plasticity of the species, which was crucial in such a human-altered environment. Despite re-establishing within their former distribution range, understanding the behavioural responses adopted by this large carnivore to navigate in an increasingly anthropogenic world remains challenging. In this study, we investigated the movement ecology of three rehabilitated wolves in one of the most human-dominated landscapes of Europe, the Po Plain in Northern Italy, and obtained preliminary evidence of the ability of wolves to spatio-temporally segregate from human activities. We observed that (i) when wolves settled, they made considerably longer daily movements; (ii) when dispersing, wolves were more nocturnal in order to avoid encounters with humans; (iii) long-distance movements were aided by the availability of small-wooded patches used as resting areas. Our results provide important insight into the movement patterns of wolves in anthropogenic ecosystems, which may be used to inform future management actions that aim to facilitate wolf dispersal and settlement in human-dominated landscapes and to reduce human–wolf encounters, with the goal of promoting coexistence.Assessing the behavioural responses of floating wolves to human presence is crucial for investigating the chance of wolf populations expanding into urbanised landscapes. We studied the movement ecology of three rehabilitated wolves in a highly human-dominated landscape (Po Plain, Italy) to explore wolf’s plasticity amid widespread human pressure. To reach this aim, we estimated individual 95% utilisation distributions (UD) after the release and inspected both 95% UDs and net squared displacements to identify individual movement patterns; tested for differences in movement patterns during day and night; and analysed the selection of resting sites during dispersal movement in a highly human-altered environment. Both the 95% UDs and step lengths were smaller for wolves settling in suitable areas than for those settling in more urbanised areas. All wolves exhibited strong temporal segregation with humans during all movement phases, particularly while dispersing across highly urbanised areas. Main roads and proximity to built-up areas were shown to limit wolves’ dispersal, whereas small-wooded patches that provide shelter during rest facilitated long-distance movements. This study provides important insights into wolf movement and settling in urban and peri-urban areas, providing critical knowledge to promote human–carnivore coexistence.

Hailstorms are among the most damaging weather phenomena impacting people's life and human activities. Climate change is expected to modify the environmental conditions in which hailstorms typically develop, affecting low-level moisture and convective instability, microphysical processes, and vertical wind shear. This is particularly true in a climatic hotspot such as the Mediterranean area, which is one of the most hail-prone areas of the Earth. Despite their relevance and associated risk in the Mediterranean, open issues remain concerning the identification of the synoptic-scale meteorological conditions favourable to hailstorms’ occurrence.Using the high-resolution (1°x1°) daily satellite-based hail climatology developed in Laviola et al. (2022), this work aims to identify the main summer large hail (>2 cm) spatial patterns in the Northern Italy (44.0-47.0°N, 6.0-14.0°E) and the associated atmospheric types. To pursue such goals, Principal Component Analysis and Cluster Analysis have been employed. Several atmospheric fields retrieved from ERA5 have been considered to characterize the large-scale atmospheric patterns. To mitigate possible inconsistencies in the available dataset, the period 2014-2023 has been selected for this analysis.Main results shows that the spatial distribution of large hail events in Northern Italy follows three main clusters that appear to be relatively well separated among them. In the first cluster, the hail episodes mainly affect the northeastern Italy; in the second cluster, the hail events are concentrated over the Po Plain, whereas in the third cluster the hailstorm generally affect the northwestern sector. The atmospheric circulation schemes associated with the first two spatial clusters (ACS 1 and ACS 2) are linked by the presence of a trough over the western Mediterranean basin, which advects a warm and moist southwestern flow over northern Italy, and by a thermal boundary at 850-hPa level. The ACS related to the third cluster (ACS 3) is characterized by a cyclonic area over western Europe, associated with a strong thermal boundary over France with a hot subtropical southwestern flow over Italy. Another key meteorological feature of the identified synoptic patterns lies in the anomalous intense water-vapor transport in the 2-5 km atmospheric layer, favouring large liquid water content. From a comparison between 2014-2018 and 2019-2023 sub-periods, it emerged an increase of the relative contribution to the total number of hail events provided by ACS 3 (from 19.6 to 31.8%). This means that hail events are increasing in the northwestern Italy in terms of frequency of occurrence, both in absolute and relative terms. ReferencesLaviola, S.; Monte, G.; Cattani, E.; Levizzani, V. Hail Climatology in the Mediterranean Basin Using the GPM Constellation (1999–2021). Remote Sens. 2022, 14, 4320. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs14174320.

<p>Quaternary loess deposits and complex pedosequences developed on wind-blown silt as parent material are very powerful palaeoclimatic and palaeoenvironmental indicators allowing the reconstruction of glacial/interglacial cycles. For this relevant scientific value, loess outcrops are gaining great attention in the framework of geoheritage valorisation. Loess sequences are distributed along wide latitudinal ranges in both the Boreal and Austral Hemispheres, but they are less frequent if compared to other kinds of Quaternary sediments, and often characterized by a hotspot-like distributions. They are, hence, key-points in geodiversity assessment at basin-scale. Strategies balancing geoconservation and promotion are hence required, and they should be based on the assessment of sites specific values and threats sites may undergo. Loess sequences, in fact, are geosites of stratigraphic interest and geomorphosites that may suffer geomorphic processes (e.g., pedogenesis, linear erosion, tectonics, slope deformation and erosion) threatening their existence. The same processes, at the meantime, are generating spectacular landscapes. Besides the most famous Chinese loess plateau, the North and South American loess basins, and the central Eurasian loess belt, several other minor loess basins are distributed in the world. Among these areas, we can consider the Mediterranean loess areas, and especially the Upper Pleistocene Po Plain Loess Basin of Northern Italy. The latter includes several loess/paleosols outcrops displaying complex pedosequences formed under contrasting Pleistocene pedoclimatic settings, recording recent tectonic activity between the foreland of the Alpine and Apennine ranges (i.e., site-scale geodiversity), and preserving open-air Palaeolithic archaeological sites (i.e., cultural value). After examining the global values of and the potential threats to loess geosites, as proposed in the current literature, a detailed analysis on the potentialities (in terms of scientific features, values, threats, geoconservation, and promotion strategies) of a selection of loess sites from the Po Plain Loess Basin is proposed. The quantification of the values of the geosites is performed considering the global value (i.e. scientific and additional values) of loess-bearing sites and the potential for use, according to a methodology based on a database, already tested in similar thematic contexts. In particular, this methodology implies the geodiversity assessment at site-scale, and this is particularly relevant for loess sites. Finally, for each locality, tips for enhancing Italian loess sites through promotion and geoconservation are provided.</p>

Hydrogeology as a climate recorder: Sahara–Sahel (North Africa) and the Po Plain (Northern Italy)

There is growing concern about the spread of the North American grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) in northern Italy which were introduced into Piedmont in 1948. They have since spread across the Po-plain covering an area of approximately 450 km 2 and continue to expand their range. In parallel to what has been observed in Britain and Ireland, grey squirrels replace the native red squirrel (S. vulgaris) and damage poplar (Populus) plantations through bark-stripping. Spatially explicit population dynamics models have been successfully used to predict the spread of grey squirrels in East Anglia, England. We extended a previous approach employing a sensitivity analysis where life history and other demographic inputs are generated using Latin Hypercube Sampling from the known ranges of each input parameter, and applied it to Italy using field data collected in Piedmont. The analysis indicated that reproductive output was the most important factor determining total population size present in Piedmont. The structure and composition of woodland habitats around the introduction site suggested that initial grey squirrel expansion would have been slow and subject to emigration rates from the available habitat blocks. A comparison of the 1996 survey results with model predictions indicated that a mean litter size of three young gave the best fit with the observed distribution and we use this to predict future grey squirrel spread. We also present a ‘worst case’ scenario in which grey squirrels experience improved reproductive success due to the availability of high quality habitats beyond the Po plain. In both cases they could disperse along existing continuous woodland corridors into France between 2039–2048. The case of the grey squirrel highlights the problems of implementing conservation conventions and the resulting conflicts between wildlife management, public perception and local political support and the narrow time frame that is available to control alien species effectively before it is too late. If allowed to spread, grey squirrels have the potential of becoming a European forest pest species and are likely to replace the native red squirrel in large parts of its range.

The axes ratio of elliptically-polarised Rayleigh-wave particle motion may provide information about shallow crustal structure beneath a seismographic station. This seldom-used parameter, often called ellipticity, or H/V, is different from the popular horizontal to vertical amplitude ratio of ambient seismic noise used for microzonation and similar studies, as we refer to deterministic measurements on Rayleigh-wave, fundamental-mode, wave groups originated by distant earthquakes. This measure is not influenced either by the source, or the propagation, and may yield robust information on crustal structure at shallower depth than group or phase velocity at the same frequency. Ellipticity is a potentially excellent tool to retrieve seismic parameters in sedimentary basins. We intend to examine feasibility and robustness of ellipticity measurements, and their application to retrieval of shallow crustal structure in northern Italy. The most striking structural element is the Po Plain sedimentary basin, but also sedimentary and crystalline rocks in the Northern Apennines and Alps. The Po Plain hides a complex system of active thrusts and folds that caused the 2012 seismic sequence. Our aim is to set a reliable system to measure and use H/V ratio to study the shallow crustal structure of this region. We implement and test automatic measurements, for 95 seismic stations in northern Italy. Comparison between observations and predictions from a reference crustal model show substantial fit, particularly for T ≈ 38s data. Discrepancy for shorter periods suggests that slight modifications of the model are needed. Analysis of synthetic and real data indicates the possibility of prograde (inverse) particle motion, but the influence of ambient noise at the predicted, short, transition periods, makes such observations less reliable. We further invert ellipticity curves to retrieve Vs profiles beneath each station, and finally build a high-resolution crustal model of the Po Plain.

Curie temperature depths in the Alps and the Po Plain (northern Italy): Comparison with heat flow and seismic tomography data

The Po Plain in northern Italy is one of the most populated and industrialized European regions and hosts numerous gas fields, which have been in production for decades. Several reservoirs were subsequently converted into underground storage sites for natural gas (UGS) while others are currently candidates for future storage of CO2 or H2. In all cases, the reservoir caprock confining the fluids underground is the Argille del Santerno formation. The Argille del Santerno is a good-quality shale; it has a thickness ranging from several tens to hundreds of meters and it extends across a large part of the subsurface of the Po Plain. The part of the formation that acts as a caprock for the main reservoirs lies at an average depth of 1200–1500 m.The scope of the present work was to obtain a sound evaluation of Young's modulus of the Argille del Santerno based on experimental data so as to describe the deformation behavior of the formation at current or prospective storage sites. To this end, we collected and analyzed a wide range of data from triaxial tests, ultrasonic laboratory analysis, and well logs from 6 different locations (corresponding to 6 reservoirs) in the Po Plain. Our dataset was enriched by publicly available log data, which we used for stratigraphic correlation purposes and identification of the Argille del Santerno throughout the Po Plain. An empirical relation between Young's modulus from log data and depth was inferred. Discrepancies among the results of the analyses are presented and discussed. We investigated the effects of alteration of cementation, diagenetic and aging behavior due to sampling operations, and the impact of the investigation techniques at the specimen scale (triaxial test and sonic wave propagation data) on Young's modulus values. This was done to explain the differences between lab and well values.This paper provides a unique characterization of the Young's modulus of the Argille del Santerno at a regional scale, to serve as a reference for reliably predicting ground-level movements induced by underground storage activities.

Trachytes Used for Paving Roman Roads in the Po Plain: Characterization by Petrographic and Chemical Parameters and Provenance of Flagstones

The Po valley (northern Italy) is the leading European region for processing tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) production. Although historically characterized by abundant water availability, this area is now increasingly affected by drought risk. This study presents a two-year evaluation of regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) on processing tomatoes in northern Italy. In 2019 (Parma) and 2022 (Piacenza), full irrigation (IRR, restoring 100% crop evapotranspiration) and RDI (100% IRR until the color-breaking stage, followed by 50% IRR) strategies were compared within a completely randomized block design. Overall, RDI resulted in a 25% reduction in water use without compromising yield, which was maintained through unchanged plant fertility and fruit size compared to IRR. Remote sensing data from PlanetScope imagery confirmed the absence of water stress in RDI-treated plants. Furthermore, increased soluble solids and dry matter contents under RDI suggest a physiological adaptation of processing tomatoes to late-season water deficit. Remarkably, environmental and economic sustainability indicators—namely water productivity and yield quality—were enhanced under RDI management. This study validates a simple, sustainable, and readily applicable irrigation approach for tomato cultivation in the Po valley. Future research should refine this method by investigating plant physiological responses to optimize water use in this key agricultural region.

The Po valley in Northern Italy has been identified as a hot spot area in Europe where pollutant levels are expected to remain problematic in the years to come despite the application of the legislation devoted to air pollution control. High anthropogenic emissions in combination with frequently occurring stagnant atmospheric conditions cause very high PM (particulate matter) concentrations in winter. The POMI project (PO valley Model Inter-comparison exercise) has been set-up to evaluate the capabilities of current air quality models to reproduce the concentration levels reached in this area. One of the outcomes of the project has been the confirmation that air quality models do under-estimate quite significantly the observed PM concentrations in this region. A series of sensitivity test have been run in order to understand the reasons for this underestimation and in particular to highlight the impact of meteorology on modeled concentrations. Different nudging techniques of observations from regulatory networks into MM5 (meteorlogical model) are explored in an attempt to improve the simulation of frequent low wind regimes in the Po valley. The sensitivity of CHIMERE (chemical transport model) is evaluated for January 2005, a period with high PM concentrations. Strengths and weaknesses of the approaches on simulating PM in one of the most polluted and complex areas in Europe are discussed.

Abstract. The Po Plain (Italy) is one of the most densely populated and productive regions of Europe, characterized by a flourishing economy (also linked to strategic subsurface resources) and several world cultural and natural heritage sites. The coupling of socio-economic interests with geological hazards (i.e. seismic, subsidence, and flooding hazards) in this area requires accurate knowledge of the subsurface geology, the active geological processes, and the impact of human activities on natural environments to mitigate the potential natural and anthropic risks. Most data unveiling the subsurface geology of this region were produced by the hydrocarbon exploration industry. Indeed, the Po Plain hosts many hydrocarbon fields that have been discovered since the early 1950s, giving rise to the subsurface exploration through extensive seismic reflection surveys and drilling of numerous deep wells. In this work, geological and geophysical data from 160 deep wells drilled for hydrocarbon exploration and/or exploitation purposes in the Po Plain and in the facing northern Adriatic Sea have been collected and digitized along with several published geological cross-sections and maps. These data have been used to reconstruct the overall subsurface 3D architecture and to extract the physical properties of the subsurface geological units. The digitized data are suitable to be imported into geo-software environments so as to derive the geophysical and mechanical properties of the geological units for a wealth of applied and scientific studies such as geomechanical, geophysical, and seismological studies. The integrated dataset may represent a useful tool in defining regional first-order strategies to ensure the safety of the urbanized areas and human activities and to reduce natural and anthropic risks that may affect this crucial region of Europe. In particular, the data collected would be useful to highlight sensible areas where data collection and more detailed studies are needed. Nowadays, such issues are particularly relevant for the underground industry development related to the increasing interest in possible CO2 and hydrogen underground storage, which can play a fundamental role in the energy transition process towards decarbonization goals. The full dataset is available at the following link: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8126519 (Livani et al., 2023).

Ozone and main pollutants' monitoring stations have been installed by the Istituto di Fisica Generale Applicata in various sites in Lombardia (Northern Italy) characterized by the different orography. In this paper we'll report on the Og measuring campaignes which have been carried out in Milan, in the Po Plain, on pre-Alps and Alps in the last years. Aim of our research is the study of ozone transport either on an horizontal scale and on a vertical one, besides the on-line monitoring of this pollutant's levels. The data analysis shows interesting trends with an increasing in Oo concentrations going from the Po Plain towards the pre-Alps. In fact in Brunate, on pre-Alps, we found monthly mean concentrations of 60-80 ppb in summer and of 20-30 ppb in winter in comparison to the station placed in the Po Plain where in summer months 20-40 ppb and 5-10 ppb in winter can be found. During our monitoring campaignes interesting events happened; these cases, which brought to anomalous ozone levels, have been interpreted studying meteo-climatic charts on a synoptic scale and analyzing the local meteorological parameters. Transactions on Ecology and the Environment vol 4, © 1994 WIT Press, www.witpress.com, ISSN 1743-3541 230 Pollution Control and Monitoring

It has been observed that post-critically reflected S-waves and multiples from the Moho discontinuity could play a relevant role on the ground motion due to medium to strong size earthquakes away from the source. Although some studies investigated the correlation between the Moho reflections amplitudes and the damage in the far field, little attention was given to the frequency content of these specific phases and their scaling with magnitude. The 2012 Emilia seismic sequence in northern Italy, recorded by velocimetric and accelerometric networks, is here exploited to investigate Moho reflections and multiples (SmSM). A single station method for group velocity-period estimation, based on the multiple filter technique, is applied to strong motion data to detect SmSM. Amplitude and frequency scaling with magnitude is defined for earthquakes from \(\hbox {Mw}=3.9\) to \(\hbox {Mw}=5.9\). Finally, the ability of SmSM to affect the ground motion for a maximum credible earthquake within the Po plain is investigated by extrapolating observed engineering parameters. Data analysis shows that high amplitude SmSM can be recognized within the Po plain, and at the boundaries between the Po plain and the Alpine chain, at epicentral distances larger than 80 km, in the period range from 0.25 to 3 s and in the group velocity window from about 2.6 to 3.2 km/s. 5 % damped pseudo-spectral accelerations at different periods (0.3, 1.0 and 2.0 s), and Housner intensities, are obtained from data characterized by large amplitude SmSM. A scaling relationship for both pseudo-spectral accelerations and Housner intensities is found for the earthquakes of the 2012 Emilia seismic sequence. \(\hbox {I}_{\mathrm{MCS}}\) from VII to VIII is estimated, as a result of SmSM amplitude enhancement, at about 100 km for a maximum credible earthquake (\(\hbox {Mw}=6.7\)) in the Po plain, showing that moderate to high damage cloud be caused by these specific phases.