Surface ruptures and off-fault deformation of the October 2016 central Italy earthquakes from DInSAR data

Large magnitude earthquakes produce complex surface deformations, which are typically mapped by field geologists within the months following the mainshock. We present detailed maps of the surface deformation pattern produced by the M. Vettore Fault System during the October 2016 earthquakes in central Italy, derived from ALOS-2 SAR data, via DInSAR technique. On these maps, we trace a set of cross-sections to analyse the coseismic vertical displacement, essential to identify both surface fault ruptures and off-fault deformations. At a local scale, we identify a large number of surface ruptures, in agreement with those observed in the field. At a larger scale, the inferred coseismic deformation shows a typical long-wavelength convex curvature of the subsiding block, not directly recognizable in the field. The detection of deformation patterns from DInSAR technique can furnish important constraints on the activated fault segments, their spatial distribution and interaction soon after the seismic events. Thanks to the large availability of satellite SAR acquisitions, the proposed methodological approach can be potentially applied to worldwide earthquakes (according to the environmental characteristics of the sensed scene) to provide a wider and faster picture of surface ruptures. Thus, the derived information can be crucial for emergency management by civil protection and helpful to drive and support the geological field surveys during an ongoing seismic crisis.

Automated summary

This study uses DInSAR technique and ALOS-2 SAR data to map the surface deformation produced by the M. Vettore Fault System during the 2016 earthquakes in central Italy. The results show that the DInSAR technique can provide important information on fault segments, spatial distribution, and interaction soon after seismic events, which is crucial for emergency management and geological field surveys.