High-precision levelling, DInSAR and geomorphological effects in the Emilia 2012 epicentral area

In May 2012, two moderate earthquakes (Mw = 6.1 and 5.9), associated with a noticeable aftershock sequence affected the eastern sector of the Po Plain, northern Italy. The co-seismic areal uplift events are crucial for a better understanding of the seismotectonics of the broader area and thus for a better assessment of the seismic hazard in the region. In the present study, we compared the results of analyses based on high precision levelling, the DInSAR technique, the distribution of liquefaction occurrences, the geomorphological map of the area and the structural model of the region. The DInSAR technique revealed a marked uplift of the ground (up to 17 cm), which was confirmed by high precision levelling. The results of both techniques substantially agreed, although there were some considerable local discrepancies, due to well-documented and diffuse liquefaction phenomena. Some strategic precautions when planning high-precision levelling networks are suggested.