Free and Open Source GIS Technologies for the Assessment of Tsunami Hazards in the Ionic Sea

Abstract

It has been largely proven that Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provide a valuable tool as Decision Support System (DDS) for the assessment and management of environmental hazards. In this work we used the GIS technologies to simulate scenarios associated to possible tsunamis in the Ionian Sea, involving the territory of Acireale (Catania), in East Sicily (Italy). In particular, we implemented a literature model for the propagation of tsunamis using free and open source GIS technologies. Our GIS modelling has been used to identify the inhabited areas and the loose of efficiency of roads possibly interested by the tsunami. For this reasons, the approach can be an efficient DSS for civil protection purposes, providing a prompt answer for the identification and management of people’s risk condition.