GNGTS 2024 - Atti del 42° Convegno Nazionale

Session 1.1 GNGTS 2024 verifcaton of seismological compilatons. These revisions were then synthesized a few years ago in the data sheets called AMGNDT995 [Macroseismic Archive GNDT, 1995]. The AMGNDT995 data sheet dedicated to the 1712 earthquake considers various informaton not clearly atributable to a single event and downgrades the earthquake, dated May 8th, locatng it in Campobasso with an epicentral intensity uncertain between VI and VII MCS. The study suggests that the asserton that houses and churches were 'ruined' refers to a level of moderate, non- structural damage. This interpretaton has been incorporated into the CPTI catalogue in its various versions. Recently, in the frame of a research project aimed at improving the preliminary AMGNDT995 studies, the case of the 1712 earthquake has been reopened, following the report of the presence of the cult of San Michele in Ripalimosani, connected to the averted danger during an earthquake dated May 1712 [Mascia, 2000]. Along with this reference, atributed to an oral traditon, similar references have been identfed respectvely in Lucito and Monteodorisio. To verify this informaton and deepen the research, two avenues were pursued: the frst, at the local level, aimed at verifying local historiography and archival evidence. Unfortunately, the research on this front has not progressed as it was hoped. The consultaton of materials stored at the State Archive of Campobasso was unsuccessful. It was impossible to examine the documents preserved at the Provincial Library "P. Albino", that has been closed to the public for several years due to technical and structural problems (it is stll unclear if and when it will be reopened). The Diocesan Historical Library "V. Fusco" was also consulted, with negatve results. Luckily enough, however, additonal journalistc sources ([Gazzeta di] Bologna, 1712.05.24; 1712.06.14; [Avvisi di] Napoli, 1712.05.14; 1712.05.17; Il Corriere Ordinario, 1712.06.08) were found, which signifcantly enriched the informaton framework (Tab. 2). Overall, this is certainly a very interestng and complex situaton regarding a certainly important earthquake that afected a very large area of central Italy (Fig. 1). Tab. 2 – Intensity observed for the earthquake of 8 May 1712 Year Mo Da Ho Mi Localities Lat Lon Is 1712 05 08 04 30 Campobasso 41.561 14.660 7 1712 05 08 04 30 Avellino 40.914 14.793 6 1712 05 08 04 30 Benevento 41.131 14.778 6 1712 05 08 04 30 Piedimonte Matese 41.354 14.371 6 1712 05 08 04 30 Alife 41.328 14.331 6 1712 05 08 04 30 Napoli 40.849 14.25 4-5 1712 05 08 04 30 Piedimonte San Germano 41.496 13.749 3 1712 05 08 04 30 Chieti 42.352 14.168 HF 1712 05 08 04 30 Lucito 41.731 14.688 HF? 1712 05 08 04 30 Monteodorisio 42.086 14.652 HF? 1712 05 08 04 30 Ripalimosani 41.613 14.666 HF?