Journal of Maps, 2014
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17445647.2014.927128
SCIENCE
Quaternary geology of the Middle Aterno Valley, 2009 L’Aquila
earthquake area (Abruzzi Apennines, Italy)
∗
S. Puccia , F. Villania, R. Civicoa, D. Pantostia, P. Del Carloa, A. Smedilea, P. M. De Martinia,
E. Pons-Branchub and A. Guelic
a
Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Struttura Terremoti, Rome, Italy; bLaboratoire des
Science du Climat et de l’Environnement, UMR 8212 (CEA/CNRS/UVSQ), Gif sur Yvette, France;
c
Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università degli Studi di Catania, Catania, Italy
(Received 18 March 2014; resubmitted 14 May 2014; accepted 19 May 2014)
We present a new 1:25,000-scale geological map of the Middle Aterno Valley basin, the
epicenter of the 2009 L’Aquila MW 6.1 earthquake. This earthquake highlighted the
incomplete understanding of the geology of the area, in particular the Quaternary continental
deposits and active tectonics, which caused the Paganica fault system to be ignored by
researchers.
The map, utilizing airborne LiDAR analysis and traditional field survey approaches, is the
first example in Italy (and one of the few in Europe) that integrates high-resolution topography
in active tectonic studies. With unprecedented detail and precision on the spatial distribution of
deposits, the map of the geomorphic and tectonic features provides new insight for the
reconstruction of the Quaternary basin evolution and estimation of long-term deformation
rates for the the Paganica fault system. Detailed fault mapping of Quaternary deposits
represents an essential input for seismic hazard assessment and surface faulting hazard
evaluation.
Keywords: geology; quaternary deposit; active tectonics; fault; earthquake; LiDAR
1. Introduction
The Middle Aterno Valley is located in a densely populated region in the Abruzzi Apennines
(central Italy) that was repeatedly struck by strong earthquakes (Rovida et al., 2011; Tertulliani,
2009) and is well-known as it contains the epicentral area of the MW 6.1 April 6, 2009 L’Aquila
earthquake that caused heavy damage and resulted in 309 fatalities and thousands of injured
(Chiarabba et al., 2009; Herrmann, Malagnini, & Munafò, 2011).
Coseismic seismological and geodetic data converge in modeling a NW-striking, SW-dipping,
normal fault (length ranging between 12 and 19 km) as the causative fault of the 2009 earthquake
(Chiaraluce, 2012 and references therein). Soon after the earthquake, a fault bounding to the east
of the Middle Aterno Valley, along which primary coseismic ruptures, was interpreted as the
surface expression of the modeled fault (Boncio et al., 2010; Emergeo Working Group, 2010;
Falcucci et al., 2009; Galli, Giaccio, & Messina, 2010; Vittori et al., 2011).
∗
Corresponding author. Email: [email protected]
# 2014 S. Pucci
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S. Pucci et al.
All the seismological, geodetic and geologic coseismic data concur in the identification of the
seismic sources. However, they highlight the recently activated source but have the limit to
provide only ex-post useful constraints for the seismic hazard assessment (SHA), so these
cannot be used for hazard mitigation planning. In addition, their use for SHA is affected by
the assumption that the fault always behaves in the same way and that its coseismic expression
would characterize its source and actual capability.
Because of this: (1) it is necessary to characterize the activity of a fault system through the
description of its geometrical organization at the surface and the definition of the expected
maximum rupture length by marking the permanent fault segments boundaries and (2) it is of
critical importance to reconstruct the fault system’s long-term evolution and deformation rates.
Under this light, detailed geological data are the only source able to depict long-term time intervals, as they contain the record of several repeated seismic cycles and thus explore an adequate
time-span (up to 1 Myr) to be representative of fault activity.
The fault system bounding the eastern flank of the Middle Aterno Valley was roughly
depicted, or even completely missing, in several of the pre 2009 L’Aquila earthquake maps
(Bagnaia, D’Epifanio, & Sylos Labini, 1992; Bertini & Bosi, 1993; Boncio, Lavecchia, &
Pace, 2004; ISPRA, 2009; Vezzani & Ghisetti, 1998). Therefore, the fault system was ignored
by the researchers dealing with active tectonics. In fact, it was neither the object of specific
studies for the understanding of its seismogenic potential, nor unanimously included in the
Central Italy seismotectonic framework in comparison to other nearby, obvious faults (Galadini
& Galli, 2000).
As a consequence, the scientific community was surprised when the Middle Aterno Valley
fault system was shown to be the epicenter in 2009. The L’Aquila earthquake highlighted the
incompleteness of local geological knowledge in the area, in particular the lack of detailed geological maps able to draw attention to faults affecting Quaternary continental deposits, where they
yield subtle geomorphic expression.
In fact, the strength of seismotectonic studies resides on their dependence on the existence of
updated and dedicated data from ‘classical’ geological approaches. As noted by Giaccio et al.
(2012), it is unfortunate that ‘classical’ geological studies (e.g. extensive field surveys; recognition of sedimentary units and their stratigraphical, geomorphological and structural relationships; palaeo-environmental interpretation; datings) are presently decreasing. Such studies are
time-consuming and so discourage the production of new ‘classical’ geological maps and
favors uncritical reuse of old ones. Against this, scientific journals that promote map publication
(especially those included in the journal citation reports) play a crucial role.
The occurrence of the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake triggered a significant number of investigations aimed at better characterizing the fault system responsible for the earthquake (e.g.
Cinti et al., 2011; Galli, Giaccio, Messina, Peronace, & Zuppi, 2011; Gori et al., 2012; Improta
et al., 2012; Moro et al., 2013). At the same time, despite this proliferation of investigations,
(Blumetti, Guerrieri, & Vittori, 2013; Civico, Pucci, De Martini, & Pantosti, 2014; Galli et al.,
2010; Giaccio et al., 2012; Guerrieri et al., 2010), these are limited from a long-term geological
perspective.
Because of the above, and in order to provide the scientific community with a synthesis of the
existing data, we produced a detailed geological survey, aerial-photo interpretation and highresolution LiDAR analysis along the Middle Aterno Valley, with particular attention to Quaternary continental deposits infilling the basin and to its structural arrangement. By providing a
detailed geometry of the fault system surface expression and a better constraint for the reconstruction of the recent evolution of the study area, this geological map (Main Map) represents the
necessary background for further studies on the characterization of active tectonics.
Journal of Maps
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Methodology
The map we present (Main Map) comprises an area of about 150 km2 that was surveyed at
1:10.000-scale, to be published at 1:25,000-scale as the best compromise between the required
detail and coverage area. We performed mapping mainly based on field reconnaissance and the
collection of new geological data at more than 2500 sites during the last three years. The new
geological survey critically integrates, and in some cases deeply revises, the previously published
maps (Bertini & Bosi, 1993; Bosi & Bertini, 1970; D’Agostino, Speranza, & Funiciello, 1997;
ISPRA, 2009), moreover it benefited from new public data collected for the seismic microzonation after the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake (Gruppo di Lavoro MS– AQ, 2010).
We mapped the stratigraphic sequence of the pre-Plio-Quaternary bedrock following the subdivision already proposed by the Geological Map of Italy, scale 1:50,000, sheet 359, L’Aquila
(ISPRA, 2009). In contrast to the Geological Map of Italy (where the focus was the Quaternary
period), we reported the units without internal subdivision and incorporated some of them within
a single formation (Limestones and Marls with Charopyhitae (Aptian), Limestones with Caprotinae, Requienie and Ostreids (Barremian-Aptian) and Cyclothemic Limestones with Requienie
(Aptian-Albian) condensed in CSR; the Arenaceous-Pelitic (Messinian) and the Marly-Clayey
(Serravallian-Messinian) condensed in AMP).
Lithostratigraphy represented the main stratigraphic criterion for the identification of Quaternary units during the survey. The derived stratigraphical sequence is the result of the refinement of
the one suggested by Bertini and Bosi (1993) with the introduction of new Late PleistoceneHolocene alluvial and colluvial/eluvial units. As a basis for this work, we performed extensive
sedimentological and microfaunal analyses: Sediment analysis allowed the recognition of distinct
facies and facies associations in the study area and a more reliable correlation between Quaternary
sedimentary bodies; mineralogical and microfaunal content allowed correlation between different
outcrops; the fresh-water ostracod assemblages were useful to differentiate alluvial/fluvial terrains
from lacustrine ones.
Where possible, we dated Quaternary deposits using relative-age and absolute-age dating
approaches, in particular tephrachronology, radiocarbon, U/Th, and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) methods. We analyzed several primary tephra layers and we identified in the San
Mauro formation. On the basis of their petro-chemical signature, these tephra layers attributed
to the four major explosive eruptions from the Alban Hills and Monti Sabatini, as identified by
Galli et al. (2010). In detail, they are: Carapelle 561 + 2 ka and Pozzolane Rosse (456 +
3 ka) from Colli Albani; Tufo di Villa Senni (449 + 1 ka) and Tufo Rosso a Scorie Nere (365
+ 4 ka) from Sabatini. We dated Late Pleistocene-Holocene alluvial and colluvial deposits facies
by means of radiocarbon analysis (both on bulk and detrital charcoal samples) executed during
paleoseismological investigations (e.g. Cinti et al., 2011). We dated a specific Late Pleistocene
alluvial facies characterized by the presence of caliche by means of U/Th isotopic composition
(Fontugne et al., 2013). A standard protocol (Giunta et al., 2012) was used for OSL dating.
We evaluated OSL emissions using the Single-Aliquot Regenerative-dose (SAR) protocol
(Murray & Wintle, 2003) on coarse-grained quartz inclusions extracted from the sample.
Mapping was supported by conventional interpretation of 1:33,000 scale aerial photographs
(Istituto Geografico Militare, 1954/1955) and orthophoto raster imagery (Regione Abruzzo,
2007). In addition, we integrated airborne LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) data that
was acquired by the Civil Protection of Friuli Venezia Giulia (Italy) a few days after the 6
April 2009 mainshock using an Optech ALTM 3100 EA Airborne Laser Terrain Mapper
System. Airborne LiDAR is an optical remote sensing technology that uses multiple returns of
a laser beam aimed at the ground to measure distances with high accuracy and high resolution,
allowing rapid measurement of topography over large areas. Due to its sub-meter resolution,
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S. Pucci et al.
LiDAR is one of the most useful remotely sensed datasets for the representation of landscape morphology and lithology, as well as for the identification and characterization of potentially active
faults, since it has the potential to detect subtle tectonic signatures, especially in areas of dense
vegetation (e.g. Arrowsmith & Zielke, 2009; Brunori, Civico, Cinti, & Ventura, 2013; Cunningham et al., 2006; Haugerud et al., 2003; Hilley, DeLong, Prentice, Blisniuk, & Arrowsmith, 2010;
Hunter, Howle, Rose, & Bawden, 2011; Lin, Kaneda, Mukoyama, Asada, & Chiba, 2013).
Vertical and horizontal errors associated with the available LiDAR acquisition are less than
0.2 m and 0.5 m, respectively. We processed the original bare-earth point cloud in order to
obtain a regular 1 × 1 m DEM and several derivative digital maps (shaded relief, slope,
aspect, etc.) that allowed us to reveal subtle geomorphic features related to tectonics and lithology.
LiDAR data analysis substantially increased the confidence in identifying and mapping most of
the fault traces and geomorphic features (e.g. fault scarps), as well as helping refine and trace
geological contacts (i.e. the morphostratigraphical separation of different units) and bedding attitudes (Figure 1). This resulted in a substantial improvement of mapping with respect to conventional available digital topographic data (e.g. 10 m DEM of Italy; Tarquini et al., 2007) that are
generally too coarse to allow detailed identification and precise mapping of geological bodies.
Figure 2 compares shaded relief images of the 5 m resolution DEM (panel a) and high-resolution
(1 m) LiDAR derived DEM (panel b), and highlights how LiDAR data can be an effective tool in
representing continental depositional bodies with unprecedented detail, through qualitative
surface roughness analysis (e.g. entrenched alluvial fans in an area close to Castelnuovo
village; Figure 2(c)).
In order to further constrain the location of buried and inferred faults and Quaternary sedimentary bodies, we also took into account on our map subsurface data recently published by various
authors (e.g. high-resolution shallow seismic profiling, Improta et al., 2012; electrical resistivity
tomography (ERT), Gruppo di Lavoro MS– AQ, 2010).
For the collection and storage of geologic data we used innovative mobile electronic devices
that allowed efficient field data management, organization and analysis in a geographical
Figure 1. Outcrop view of the Valle dell’Inferno incision (NE of the San Demetrio ne’ Vestini village). The
tectonic contact between Quaternary (VOC and VIC) and Pre-Quaternary deposits (CCG) is visible. Note the
geomorphic expression of the normal fault plane, formed by the sharp tectonic scarp and the offset erosional/
depositional top surfaces.
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Figure 2. Example of improved high-resolution digital elevation model and application in geological field
mapping from a ridge close to Castelnuovo village, SE of the study area: (a) standard DEM (5 m-grid)
derived from 1:5.000 topographic data (Regione Abruzzo); (b) unprecedented detailed topography from
high-resolution (1 m-grid) LiDAR-generated shaded relief; and (c) geological mapping of continental depositional bodies (e.g. entrenched alluvial fans) revealed by high-resolution relief (see Main Map for legend).
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S. Pucci et al.
Figure 3. Comparison between the provided geological map and the previous ones: (a) detail of the San
Demetrio ne’ Vestini area compared with the Bertini and Bosi (1993) map. Note the increased accuracy
in the construction of geological contacts and in the distinction of Late Pleistocene-Holocene units and
(b) detail of the Paganica area compared with the ISPRA (2009) map. Note the increased number of
faults affecting the Quaternary deposits and the revision of some stratigraphic boundaries in the pre-Quaternary units. See Main Map for legend.
information system (GIS), as well as their georeferencing along with raster imagery, LiDAR data
and the digital topographic data.
3. Conclusions
New geological survey of the Quaternary geology of the Middle Aterno Valley, performed using
innovative tools and GIS data management, resulted in the compilation of a 1:25,000-scale map.
This map is the first example in Italy (and one of very few in Europe) of the integration of airborne
LiDAR and traditional survey approaches, and represents an important improvement upon earlier
mapping (Figure 3) by providing:
(a) improved knowledge of the distribution, geometry and characterization of the deposits
filling the continental basin;
(b) unprecedented detail and precision in mapping the geological bodies;
(c) the identification of a large number of parallel fault splays and associated oblique-striking
strands, describing a complex fault system accommodating extensional tectonics and
being responsible for the Quaternary landscape evolution.
Triggered by the 2009 earthquake, the mapping represents an essential contribution to the SHA of
the area (e.g. see Boncio, Galli, Naso, & Pizzi, 2012). In fact, new geological and structural data
Journal of Maps
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presented in this map represent a fundamental input for active tectonic studies, such as: (1) the
evaluation and characterization of rates of activity and seismic potential of the Middle Aterno
Valley fault system: provision of the precise location and representation of tectonic structures,
as well as of their tectonic-related landforms, along with improved paleoseismological and quantitative geomorphology investigations; (2) interpretation of the Quaternary basin evolution by
means of accurate reconstruction of the continental deposits surface expression, crucial for the
estimation of the fault system’s long-term deformational style and rates; (3) surface faulting
hazard evaluation and support for decision makers for safer management of system-wide urban
and cultural heritage retrofit programs, due to the precise identification of active fault traces
and of their secondary splays; and (4) valuable contribution to the assessment of site effects on
ground motion, through the detailed distribution of the different Quaternary deposits prone to
shaking amplification. In addition, the map is valuable for applications of land use planning
for protection against others environmental hazards, such as hydrogeological risks, due to the
accuracy of the combined topographic and geologic data.
Software
Field surveying used a range of software. Rocklogger (http://rockgecko.wordpress.com/), for Android and
BlackBerry smartphones, was used to measure either dip and strike, or dip and dip direction of rock outcrops,
along with details on the structural feature being measured (i.e. bedding, fault, joint, cleavage, lineations) and
rock type. GeoCam (https://sites.google.com/site/geocamdoc/) was used to create and preview geophotos of
a site. Google Earth for mobile (http://www.google.de/earth/explore/products/mobile.html) was useful for
immediate geo-localization and easy visualization of outcrops and sites during fieldwork (particularly in
densely vegetated areas). Finally Google My Tracks (http://www.google.com/mobile/mytracks/), a GPS
track logger, was used for monitoring the survey coverage and to plan future field work.
We organized and analyzed all the collected field data and remotely sensed imagery using Esri ArcMap.
Adobe Illustrator was used for final map production.
Acknowledgments
The work was financially supported by the MIUR (Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research)
project ‘FIRB Abruzzo – High-resolution analyses for assessing the seismic hazard and risk of the areas
affected by the 6 April 2009 earthquake’, ref. RBAP10ZC8K_005. The airborne LiDAR survey performed
by the Civil Protection of Friuli Venezia Giulia (Italy) was kindly released by Italian Civil Protection Department. Digital cartographic elements of the Carta Tecnica Regionale 1:5.000-scale by courtesy of Regione
Abruzzo.
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