Reconstruction of the subsurface geology aimed at identifying areas susceptible to liquefaction in the epicentral area of the M7, 1915 earthquake (Fucino Basin, central Italy)

The present study deals with co-seismic liquefaction due to strong earthquakes (Ml>5) where the water table is near the ground surface and sandy-to-silty soils (e.g., lacustrine sediments) characterize the first 20 m of stratigraphy. This is the case of the Fucino Basin area in central Italy, which was struck by the large 1915 earthquake. Historical reports of the geological effects of the earthquake documented evidence of severe ground deformation referable to near-surface liquefaction. In order to develop a liquefaction hazard map, we performed a detailed reconstruction of the shallow subsurface geology of the Fucino basin. We demonstrate that large areas, including urbanized areas, are susceptible to liquefaction.