Underground Gas Storage as Benchmark for Seismic Attenuation Tomography in a Tectonically Complex Region (North‐Eastern Italy)

Abstract We present a multiscale seismic attenuation tomography of a seismotectonically complex region in northern Italy hosting the well‐characterized Collalto Underground Gas Storage (UGS). Beyond its specific relevance, this site provides a natural laboratory for assessing the ability of attenuation imaging to distinguish fluid‐rich zones from highly strained, failure‐prone volumes. We integrated scattering and absorption tomography models: scattering anomalies, between the two principal thrusts, highlight localized strain near fault tips; absorption tomography images the shallow UGS and reveals a deeper fluid‐saturated volume. Seismicity concentrated around this deeper anomaly, exhibiting a pulsatory temporal pattern, suggests a fluid‐driven role in the deformation processes. These findings show that attenuation tomography, combined with multiscale and complementary geophysical models, can resolve critical subsurface features related to fluids and strain. The approach is broadly applicable to geothermal and volcanic contexts and supports seismic hazard assessment in tectonically active regions where natural and anthropogenic processes may interact.

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Publication Details

Journal
Geophysical Research Letters
Published
2025-11-03
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1029/2025gl117956
Primary Topic
High-pressure geophysics and materials
Type
article
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article

Underground Gas Storage as Benchmark for Seismic Attenuation Tomography in a Tectonically Complex Region (North‐Eastern Italy)

Rita de Nardis, Marco Santulin, Maria Adelaide Romano, Giusy Lavecchia et al.
Geophysical Research Letters
High-pressure geophysics and materials
article

Underground Gas Storage as Benchmark for Seismic Attenuation Tomography in a Tectonically Complex Region (North‐Eastern Italy)

Rita de Nardis, Marco Santulin, Maria Adelaide Romano, Giusy Lavecchia, Donato Talone, Luca De Siena, M. Guidarelli, Laura Peruzza
article en

Abstract

Abstract We present a multiscale seismic attenuation tomography of a seismotectonically complex region in northern Italy hosting the well‐characterized Collalto Underground Gas Storage (UGS). Beyond its specific relevance, this site provides a natural laboratory for assessing the ability of attenuation imaging to distinguish fluid‐rich zones from highly strained, failure‐prone volumes. We integrated scattering and absorption tomography models: scattering anomalies, between the two principal thrusts, highlight localized strain near fault tips; absorption tomography images the shallow UGS and reveals a deeper fluid‐saturated volume. Seismicity concentrated around this deeper anomaly, exhibiting a pulsatory temporal pattern, suggests a fluid‐driven role in the deformation processes. These findings show that attenuation tomography, combined with multiscale and complementary geophysical models, can resolve critical subsurface features related to fluids and strain. The approach is broadly applicable to geothermal and volcanic contexts and supports seismic hazard assessment in tectonically active regions where natural and anthropogenic processes may interact.

Geophysical Research LettersVol. 52(21)
University of Chieti-Pescara (IT), Consorzio Interuniversitario Nazionale per la Bio-Oncologia (IT), National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics (IT), University of Bologna (IT)
Openalex Percentile: Top 66%
High-pressure geophysics and materials
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