Soil-gas survey of liquefaction and collapsed caves during the Emilia seismic sequence

A soil-gas survey conducted during the Emilia seismic sequence revealed significant variations in carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) fluxes from collapsed caves, including newly formed ones, indicating dynamic subsurface processes linked to seismic activity. The study, focused on the epicentral area of northern Italy's Ferrara Arc—a region with active thrust-related folds—highlighted the interplay between liquefaction phenomena and ground fractures following the May 2012 mainshock. Researchers measured soil-gas emissions in both pre-existing and newly identified collapsed caves, providing insights into the subsurface response to seismic events. The findings contribute to understanding the geodynamic behavior of evaporitic karst systems within UNESCO-recognized sites, offering critical data for hazard assessment.

Sciarra, A., Cantucci, B., Buttinelli, M., Galli, G., Nazzari, M., Pizzino, L., & Quattrocchi, F. (2012). Soil-gas survey of liquefaction and collapsed caves during the Emilia seismic sequence. Annals of Geophysics, 55(4). https://doi.org/10.4401/ag-6122