Seismic effects at GPS stations: Case study of the 24 August 2016 Amatrice earthquake

Abstract

The seismic event of the 2016 Amatrice earthquake and its subsequent aftershocks have provided a significant opportunity to study seismic waves and their effects on the Apennine región, a very active seismic area. This research utilizes GPS data from three geodetic networks (ItalPos, NetGEO, and RING) to analyze the seismic waves generated by the earthquake, capturing seismic effects with great precision and resolution. By examining data from various GPS stations within the region, the study demonstrates the efficacy of GPS in providing detailed and accurate representations of ground motion. The study identifies co-seismic displacements and accelerations at monitoring stations by processing and analyzing GPS data, including precise point positioning strategies and wavelet adjustments. Moreover, a least squares adjustment method is employed to optimize the estimation of temporal parameters associated with seismic event detection across the spatial network of stations. The results obtained from GPS data are validated against seismic equipment, affirming their reliability in characterizing seismic events. Furthermore, the study elucidates the propagation of surface waves and path effects over the affected region, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the earthquake impact. This research underscores the potential of GPS data as a valuable tool for rapid and precise characterization of seismic events, offering insights into ground motion dynamics and facilitating timely response and mitigation efforts.