Garda Seismic Network: Institute of Geophysics and Regional Planning

The Geophysics and Bioclimatology Institute of Desenzano del Garda could become a scientific reality within the Azienda Speciale Garda Uno. Participants at the Assembly held recently in the municipality of Desenzano, convened by the same Councilor Gianfranco Merici, expressed this possibility.

Attending the meeting from the Desenzano Municipality were Mayor Felice Anelli, architect Menegato, and an official from the municipal Technical Office; from the Azienda Speciale were President Guido Maruelli, Dr. Walter Romagnoli, and consultant Professor Adalberto Da Casto; from the Province were Councilor Elisetti; from the Lombardy Region Dr. Gemontana; from the Municipality of Sirmione, Dr. Busti and consultant Zilioli; from the Geophysics Institute, Professor Bertazzi and Dr. Sleyko from the University of Trieste; and from the Rotary Club of Salò, engineer Pedercini.

Need for a Seismological Network

Of particular interest was the emerging necessity to equip the Garda area with its own seismological network capable of covering the entire region and complementing the current northern Italy network, which leaves the territory of Lombardy completely uncovered. Such a network cannot predict an earthquake’s approach, but recently a minor tremor—epicenter near Bardolino—caused the Garda earth to shake (4°), and this network could certainly help establish regulations to contain potential destructive effects.

Mayor Anelli recalled that the Geophysics Institute has generated particular interest from the Brescia Prefect, especially regarding its relationship with Civil Protection. Provincial Councilor Elisetti confirmed the Provincial Administration’s willingness to participate financially in any future project. The Lombardy Region, through Dr. Gemontana, also expressed its readiness to contribute financially.

Structure of the Geophysics Institute

Gianfranco Bertazzi briefly explained the current structure of the Institute, recalling its four divisions: 1) climatological section; 2) seismological section; 3) bioclimatological section; 4) limnological section. The debate mainly focused on the seismicity division, which should be prioritized operationally over the others.

A study on microseismicity, as remembered by Zilioli, could certainly not eliminate earthquakes but could quickly, within a maximum of 10 minutes, identify the epicenter and intensity of tremors. This would enable, as Sleyko told Civil Protection, a prompt and appropriate response. The National Institute of Geophysics studies macroseismicity and does not consider the small local tremors that are part of the regional reality of Garda.

Connections and Future Plans

Everyone agreed that it would not be very productive to attempt establishing a new Association of Garda Brescia Municipalities when a Azienda Speciale already exists to represent and develop activities on their behalf. Maruelli concluded, effectively offering the entire operational structure of Garda Uno.

In the next meeting, after the Christmas holidays, and based on what was discussed, some statutory modifications will be proposed, after which the initial steps to establish the Garda seismic network can begin.