Hydrogeochemical seismic precursors in the Apennines
The variation of stress acting on crustal rocks determines pressure gradients able to mobilize fluids. Fluid motions are the most rapid response to the modification of the tectonic stress. Therefore, they may represent useful indicators of transient phenomena that may evolve into an earthquake. Coseismic chemical, water table depth and spring supply variations have been widely described. Moreover, in several cases, these modifications were starting before the mainshock, hence representing potentially reliable seismic precursors. However, these variations differ as a function of the tectonic setting (i.e., extensional, contractional, strike-slip). In this research project we intend to monitor the depth, temperature, salinity variation in few water wells in Abruzzo and Molise, along areas with high seismic hazard. We expect to record signals of stress modification that may eventually evolve into an earthquake. The goal is to install a multiparametric (GPS, SAR, seismological and hydrogeochemical) prototype observatory able to alert for a possible imminent seismic event.