Coseismic effects of the 2016 Amatrice seismic sequence: First geological results

Abstract

Since the beginning of the ongoing Amatrice seismic sequence on August 24, 2016, initiated by a Mw 6.0 normal faulting earthquake, the EMERGEO Working Group (an INGV team devoted to earthquake aftermath geological survey) investigated coseismic effects on the natural environment. Up to now, we surveyed about 750 km2 and collected more than 3200 geological observations including differently oriented tectonic fractures together with intermediate- to small-sized landslides. The most impressive coseismic evidence was found along the known active Mt. Vettore fault system, where surface ruptures with clear vertical/horizontal offset were observed for more than 5 km, while unclear and discontinuous coseismic features were recorded along the Laga Mts. Fault systems.