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We use the Godano et al. (2022, https://doi.org/10.1029/2021ea002205) method for evaluating the b maps of the faults associated with the largest earthquakes M ≥ 7.0 that occurred in California. The method allows an independent evaluation of the b parameter, avoiding the overlap of the cells and the omission of some earthquakes, while keeping all the available information in the catalog. We analyzed four large earthquakes: Landers, Hector Mine, Baja California, and Searles Valley. The maps obtained confirm that the b value can be considered as a strain meter and allow us to elucidate the presence of barriers, such as obstacles to the propagation of the fracture, on the fault of the analyzed earthquakes. A further estimated parameter is the time window during which aftershocks occur in the cell, Δt. This quantity is very useful for a better definition of the aftershock generation mechanism. It reveals where the stress is released in a short time interval and how the complexity of the faulting process controls the occurrence of aftershocks on the fault, and also the duration of the entire sequence. Plain Language Summary: The use of the Godano et al. (2022, https://doi.org/10.1029/2021ea002205) method for evaluating the b maps for the on‐fault seismicity during the occurrence of aftershocks allows us to put some constraints on the faulting process during the aftershock sequences. Key Points: Independent cells b value spatial maps evaluationNew operator‐independent griding method for spatial discretization [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seismic swarms are defined as a group of earthquakes occurring very close in time and space but without any distinctively large event triggering their occurrence. Up to now no simple law has been found to describe the swarm occurrence rate. Here we find an expression able to fit the average occurrence rate on some volcanic areas. This expression exhibits some differences in respect to the classical Omori law. Namely the c parameter of the Omori law is equal to zero and the power law decay of the average occurrence rate of the earthquakes is followed by an exponential decaying regime. Both the results can be interpreted in term of fluid injection and/or movements. Indeed this is a more impulsive phenomenon compared to the occurrence of a large earthquake, with a duration compatible with a c = 0. The exponential decay following the power law one could be explained by a viscoelastic relaxation of the stress induced by the injection and/or movements of fluids in the earth crust. Key Points: We find an analytical expression of volcanic earthquakes occurrence rateWe analyze some volcanic seismic catalogsWe found some differences respect the traditional Omori law [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an automated method for mapping the b values. The algorithm is very simple and presents three advantages: (a) it does not requires any tuning of the parameters like, for instance, a fixed cell size or a maximum radius of the cell; (b) it implies a more appropriate use of the catalog, by using almost all the events in the catalog used (with a tolerance of 1%) with no overlap; (c) it implies the full independence of the b values, thus allowing the statistical comparison of the results using standard tests. Although the resulting b values are comparable with those obtained by applying the other methods of common use in seismology, these latter (a) leave out many earthquakes from the analysis, with loose of useful information, (b) produce diffuse cells overlapping aiming at reaching many cells of the grid in order to get the correct number of events in each cell, and (c) results in correlated b values, which do not allow the test of significance for the differences in the b values. Finally, due to the independence from any ad hoc a‐priori choice, our method is suitable for automatic and operator‐free procedures. Plain Language Summary: The methods usually used in seismology for mapping the b value require the tuning of some parameters depending on the analyzed catalog. Here we propose a method that only implies the choice of the minimum number of earthquakes needed to obtain reliable b value estimates, which does not depend on the specific cases. Due to the mutual complete independence of the resulting b values, the proposed method allows the use of standard statistical tests to compare the results. Key Points: b maps are evaluated for four different cataloguesThe used method is an automated one not requiring any parameter tuningThe used method provides independent b value for each cell of the grid [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Campi Flegrei caldera is considered the most dangerous volcano in Europe and is currently in a new phase of unrest (started in 2000 and still ongoing) that has persisted intermittently for several decades (main crisis occurred from 1950 to 1952, 1970–1972, and 1982–1984). Here, by combining the petrological and geochemical data collected in recent decades with numerical simulations, we place new constraints on the source(s) of the current dynamics of the volcano. In particular, we show that the measured (N2‐He‐CO2) geochemical changes at the fumaroles of Solfatara hydrothermal site are the result of massive (about 3 km3) magma degassing in the deep portion (≥200 MPa, 8 km of depth) of the plumbing system. This degassing mechanism would be able to flood the overlying hydrothermal system with hot gas, thus heating and fracturing the upper crust inducing shallow seismicity and deformation. This implies that the deep magma transfer process (≥8 km) has been decoupled from the source of deformation and seismicity, localized in the first kilometers (0–4 km) of caldera‐filling rocks. This information on magma transfer depth can have important implications for defining the best monitoring strategies and for forecasting a future eruption. Finally, this study highlights how petrological and geochemical data allow us to explore the dynamics of the deep portion of the plumbing system and thus trace the occurrence of recharge episodes, in a portion of the ductile lower crust where magma transfer occurs in the absence of earthquakes. Plain Language Summary: Calderas are volcanic depressions formed as the ground collapses during huge volcanic eruptions. They often exhibit pronounced unrest, with frequent earthquakes, ground uplift, and considerable heat and mass flux that are monitored by volcanologists for eruption forecasting. However, as this activity is due to the complex interactions among magma and hydrothermal system stored beneath the volcano, it is always difficult to predict the evolution of the unrest toward critical conditions until to eruption. The Campi Flegrei caldera is among the most dangerous volcanos in Europe and is currently in a new phase of unrest that has lasted for several decades, whose nature (magmatic or not magmatic) has remained unclear. Here, we combine petrological and geochemical observations collected in recent decades with numerical simulations to place new constraints on the source of the recent dynamics of the volcano. In particular, we show that new deep magma has recharged the shallow reservoir beneath the volcano and flooded the overlying hydrothermal system with hot gas; thereby weakening the upper rocks allowing deformation (ground uplift) and fracturing (seismicity). This information is particularly important in the case of high‐risk Campi Flegrei caldera, because it can help to improve defense strategies in case of future eruption. Key Points: We explore recent magma dynamics under Campi Flegrei restless caldera (Italy)New petrological and geochemical data trace mafic magma recharges in the lower crustDeep‐gas flooding of hydrothermal system justifies shallow seismicity and deformation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Milanese artist Giovanni Paolo Lomazzo (1538–1592) is better known for his writings on art than for his pictorial activity. After being struck by an unidentified eye disease at the age of thirty‐three, he was forced to give up his trade and he dedicated most of his later life to collecting material for his books on the art of painting. In his writings, Lomazzo draws on notions from different spheres of knowledge (ancient literature, contemporary optical theories, recipes for pigments among others) in order to build up his complex system of painting. This article focuses on one underestimated aspect of Lomazzo's interests, which I believe is worth investigating further: alchemy. There are some intriguing hints at alchimia in the artist's writings, which suggest that, though later critics claimed he was 'not interested in the subject', he had definite opinions about the theory and practice of it, as well as on its practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The causative source of the first damaging earthquake instrumentally recorded in the Island of Ischia, occurred on 21 August 2017, has been studied through a multiparametric geophysical approach. In order to investigate the source geometry and kinematics we exploit seismological, Global Positioning System, and Sentinel‐1 and COSMO‐SkyMed differential interferometric synthetic aperture radar coseismic measurements. Our results indicate that the retrieved solutions from the geodetic data modeling and the seismological data are plausible; in particular, the best fit solution consists of an E‐W striking, south dipping normal fault, with its center located at a depth of 800 m. Moreover, the retrieved causative fault is consistent with the rheological stratification of the crust in this zone. This study allows us to improve the knowledge of the volcano‐tectonic processes occurring on the Island, which is crucial for a better assessment of the seismic risk in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]