On the Characterization of a Geophysical Diagnostics Resolution Index within the Seismic Damage Scenario Construction

A methodological approach for selecting areas to be subjected to geophysical diagnostic is proposed to determine the damage susceptibility of territory elements within the construction of a seismic damage scenario for the city of Messina. The morphology of the urban context have made difficult the programming and execution of those geophysical surveys more consistent with the objective to be achieved. On the basis of different indicator typologies, an empirical relationship has been established to identify the territory elements of a higher significance where to focus a greater diagnostic commitment for the acquisition of specific data to be used for seismic vulnerability assessments at a large scale. To this end it was defined a diagnostic resolution index, related to the specific characteristics of the territorial system, stands out as a significant interest element in the study and evaluation of the regional multi-hazard conditions (shallow water-table, presence of debris of buildings referable to the past earthquakes, high level of heterogeneity of the lithotypes, the widespread presence of surface faults, ...) The analysis of preliminary results have made possible the assessment of the reliability of the proposed procedure in order to properly planning a diagnostic campaign related to the safety reducers of the area in study.