NEW Special Issue: Integrating Multi-Scale and Multidisciplinary Approaches in Seismic Microzonation of Volcanic Areas

Special Issue: Integrating Multi-Scale and Multidisciplinary Approaches in Seismic Microzonation of Volcanic Areas

Guest Editors: R. Azzaro¹, S. Catalano^2,3, M. Mancini^3,, F. Pacor¹, E. Peronace³ and S. Pierdominici⁴

1. Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Italy. 2. Università degli Studi di Catania, Italy. 3. Istituto di Geologia Ambientale e Geoingegneria del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR-IGAG), Italy. 4. Helmholtz Centre Potsdam, German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), Potsdam, Germany.

The assessment of local seismic hazard in active volcanic regions poses specific challenges, owing to the highly complex geological architecture and distinctive seismological behavior, which differ markedly from those in more stable tectonic settings.

Seismicity in these regions is typically clustered and characterized by low to moderate magnitude events. This is particularly evident in Italy, where the shallow depth of earthquake hypocenters has significantly increased their impact on the territory, as shown by recent events on the island of Ischia (2017), the eastern flank of Mount Etna (2018), and in the Campi Flegrei area over the past two years.

From a geological perspective, the stratigraphic successions in these environments are particularly complex, as they are composed of the alternation of numerous eruptive depositional and erosive events. The resulting cycles give rise to stratigraphic architectures characterized by frequent and widespread lateral-vertical variations in lithotypes, which are difficult to reconstruct geometrically in the subsurface. This complicates the definition of local geological models, which are essential for assessing site-specific seismic response. Moreover, the high rate of accumulation of volcanic products tends to mask the morphological expression of active tectonic processes (such as fault scarps, fracture systems, and associated folds), hindering their recognition and mapping.

Consequently, in this specific geological context, no single analysis or investigative method is sufficient to comprehensively define the local geological setting and seismic hazard of the territories. A multidisciplinary, multi-scale approach is required. Land-use planning in active volcanic areas therefore necessitates a reassessment of the procedures and standards outlined in the Guidelines for Seismic Microzonation in the Italian territory.

Starting from the recent experience of the Active and Capable Faults and Seismic Microzonation studies on Etna, this Special Issue aims to collect contributions that present integrated, multidisciplinary, and multi-scale methodologies applied to active volcanic environments.

We particularly encourage submissions that propose innovative approaches for the assessment of local seismic hazard and geological modelling in such complex contexts, with the goal of supporting more effective land-use planning and risk mitigation strategies. 

Manuscripts must be submitted through the journal’s online submission system under the “Section”:

“SPECIAL ISSUE: Integrated Approaches to Seismic Microzonation in Volcanic Areas”

Opening of the submissions: October 15, 2025

Closing of the submissions: February 15, 2026

The accepted papers are scheduled for publication in a special issue of Annals of Geophysics, expected to be released by spring 2026.