The Umbria-Marche (central Italy) earthquakes: relation between rupture directivity and sequence evolution for the Mw > 5 shocks

Abstract

We derive the relative moment rate function for the shocks with Mw > 5 in the 1997-98 central Italy seismic sequence, started with the Mw = 5.7, 09/26/97 00:33 event, by applying an empirical Green functionmethod. By using three conveniently placed broadband MedNet stations we obtain apparent source time functions indicating clear directivity effects for all of the analysed earthquakes, with rupture propagation generally directed outward from the epicentral area of the09/03/97 foreshock sequence. Taking a simple source model, forward modeling is utilized for determining fault parameters such as length, rupture propagation velocity and direction and, for the three major events,slip distribution. The effects of the break propagation directions onthe sequence evolution is discussed. A possible inconsistencyresults for the shallow 04/03/98 shock, which could be avoided if alink with the deep 03/26/98 event is assumed.Our analysis evidences the importance of a quick determination for the fault parameters in order to image the possible induction of fracturing on nearby structures.