Abstract
The September–October 1997 seismic sequence in one of the most important historic areas of Central Italy showed that the economic impact of earthquakes of only moderate magnitude can be high. In view of the vulnerability of the artistic and architectural heritage, priceless treasures in such towns as Assisi are very susceptible to damage as a consequence of such seismic events. Attention is drawn to the fact that for seismic microzonation to be effective, it is essential that not only the past seismic activity but also the history of the urban developments is taken into account.
Résumé
La sequence sismique de septembre–octobre 1997 qui a affecté l'une des régions historiques les plus importantes d'Italie Centrale a mis en évidence que l'impact économique des tremblements de terre de magnitude modérée peut être considérable. En ce qui concerne la vulnerabilité du patrimoine artistique et architectural, on a constaté que des trésors inestimables pouvaient subir des dégâts importants même lors de secousses modérées. On attire l'attention sur le fait qu'un microzonage sismique ne pourra être efficace que si l'on prend en compte non seulement l'activité sismique passée mais aussi l'historique des développements urbains.
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Received: 20 December 1997 · Accepted: 12 January 1998
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Prete, M., Guadagno, F. & Scarascia-Mugnozza, G. Earthquake induced damage in an historic area: the September–October 1997 seismic sequence which affected Assisi, Central Italy. Bull Eng Geol Env 57, 101–109 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/s100640050026
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s100640050026