High-Density Macroseismic Survey in Urban Areas. Part 2: Results for the City of Rome, Italy

Abstract

High-density macroseismic surveys were carried out in Rome, following both the 14 October 1997 ( M w = 5.6; I 0 = VIII MCS), and the 26 March 1998 ( M w = 5.3; I 0 = VI-VII MCS), Umbria-Marche (Central Italy) earthquakes. The aim of the work was to investigate the relationship between intensity and local geology for the modern urban area of Rome, an issue yet to be examined in contemporary times. Intensity data for both earthquakes were correlated with near-surface geology. The results show a statistically significant amplification in Holocene alluvial deposits. In particular, we found one degree of difference in MCS intensity between hard rock and recent alluvium formations. Furthermore, the distribution of the earthquake effects in alluvium-filled valleys was studied as a function of the shape ratio ( h/l ) of the alluvial basins. In the Tiber River valley, higher effects were found to be concentrated within a 150-m-wide band along the bedrock-alluvium surface contact, suggesting the occurrence of an edge effect. Surprising results were observed in the minor alluvial valleys, which displayed the strongest effects in terms of shaking. The narrowest valleys (width