Kinematic finite fault and 3D seismic wave propagation of the 24 august, 2016, Mw 6.0 central Italy earthquake

Abstract

The magnitude Mw 6.0 earthquake of 24th August 2016 caused severe damages and nearly 300 fatalities in the central Italy region. Initial reports revealed an asymmetrical distribution of damage and coseismic effects, suggesting a major role of heterogeneities, both in the rupture history and in the geological structure of the region. Near realtime availability of seismological data afforded a timely determination of a finite fault model (Tinti et al., 2016). Here we test this source model by performing a 3D simulation of seismic wave propagation within a 3D structural model containing the major geological features of the region. Agreement between modeled seismograms and observed seismograms suggests that some complexities in the waveforms, such as high amplification in the region of the Mt. Vettore fault system, can be accounted for by complexities in the fault rupture and 3D structural models. Finally, the consistency of the hypothesis of two distinct events has been analyzed.