New generation of sensors in basic and applied research related to earthquake processes

Abstract

Collaborations between INGV and IPGP have been strengthened through the TRANSFORM2 project, funded by the European Union, of which our two Institutes are among the main partners. In this work we present the WP2 of the project, of which M. Supino (INGV) is the WP leader and P. Bernard (IPGP) the WP co-leader. Further joint INGV - IPGP research activities are included in the WP3 and WP5 of the project.

The scientific and technological advancements of the last decade allowed the scientific community to use a new generation of sensors and analytical solutions in basic and applied research. These new technologies contribute to designing innovative studies and to opening new perspectives for forecasting natural disasters (e.g., earthquakes and volcanic eruptions), mitigating the associated risks.  

In the TRANSFORM2 WP2 we will develop innovative instruments that will go beyond the state-of-the-art, improving the capabilities of the earthquake science research community for interdisciplinary (seismology, acoustics, geodesy, geochemistry) observational and monitoring purposes.  

We will exploit recent technological advancements (fiber optic-based systems, fully autonomous low-cost seismic devices, ferroelectric acoustic sensors, high-rate multi-constellation GNSS, automated geochemical sensors) to obtain a new generation of multidisciplinary data that will allow to investigate earthquake nucleation processes in more detail and from different perspectives. Instruments will then be integrated into the Near Fault Observatories (NFOs).  

The developed innovative instruments will:

• Provide new observables (geochemical and acoustic sensors) and automatize existing manual procedures for measurements (geochemical sensors)
• Improve data sampling frequency (geochemical and geodetic sensors) and data accuracy (exploiting first-order instrumentation enhancements for geodetic sensors and wide frequency range for acoustic sensors, respectively)
• Implement cost-effective, high-resolution seismic and geodetic sensors
• Allow sustainable, long-term observations in currently non-monitored places as in harsh environments (seismic sensors in offshore sea floor)
• Improve rapid deployment of instrumentation when needed (seismic sensors in postseismic phases)

Poster presented at the IPGP-INGV Joint Workshop, Paris, France, 5–7 November 2025 (Abstract ID: WG1-P3)