The geological model of Celano town area for seismic microzonation activities

In this paper are presented the results of integrated investigations aimed at building a reference geological model for the seismic microzonation of Celano municipality (Central Italy). The study area is located along the northern rim of the Fucino basin, which is an intermontane half-graben filled by thick Plio-Quaternary alluvial and lacustrine deposits and is surrounded by Meso-Cenozoic limestone and Neogene sandstone relieves, with mean elevation around 1500m a.s.l., that also represent the bedrock units of the basin itself. Evidences of recent tectonic activity within the Fucino basin have been pointed out by several paleoseismological studies recently performed to better frame the effects of the seismogenic structures responsible for the Ms 7.0, 1915 Avezzano earthquake and other historical and prehistoric seismic events occurred in the area. On the basis of integrated site and laboratory investigations, such as surface geological surveys, borehole logging, isotope geochemical analyses based on Th-230/U-234 dating method, geotechnical investigation and hydrogeological prospecting, the geological model of the area was built. The identification of such model was fundamental in view of correct planning and development of further investigations and analyses, mainly based on geophysical methods and seismic response modelling, carried out by other research teams cooperating within the Celano seismic microzonation project. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.