Improving performance of seismic networks in the Montefeltro region: historical seismographs and current local network

Abstract Seismology, which had previously relied on descriptive and observational methods, began incorporating appropriate instrumentation and effective techniques for the parametric and theoretical analysis of seismic data starting in the mid-nineteenth century. Alessandro Serpieri, rector of the Raffaello College in Urbino from 1857 to 1884, was a pioneering figure who first proposed the creation of a seismic network in Italy. A significant contribution also came from Luigi Guidi (1824–1883), director from 1861 to 1883 of the Valerio Observatory in Pesaro. Today, comprehensive coverage of study areas is essential for the high-resolution analysis of low-magnitude seismic events. To this end, a temporary seismic network was established in the Montefeltro region in December 2018 as part of a collaborative project between the University of Urbino and the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology. The aim was to acquire new seismic data to supplement those recorded by the National Seismic Network. The Montefeltro area, with Urbino as its provincial capital, has recently experienced seismic activity with magnitudes below 4. Data analysis indicates that the region is characterized by a seismically active basin with microseismicity, while the surrounding areas show more concentrated seismic activity in three zones: Rimini, Forlì, and along the Apennine belt. In this contribution, we review the evolution of seismological studies in the broad Montefeltro region since the seminal work of Serpieri up to present times.