A new model for the Po Plain basin

MAMBo is a 3D seismic model of the Po Plain and neighboring regions of northern Italy, covering altogether an area about 600 km by 300 km with an approximately 1 km spaced grid.

Po Plain model 3D

We collected an extensive and diverse set of geological and geophysical data, including seismic reflection and refraction profiles, borehole logs, and available geological information. Major geological boundaries and discontinuities have been identified and mapped into the model. Seismic-wave properties have been assigned to each unit using a rule-based system and, VP, VS, and density derived from other studies. We have used our new model to compute the seismic response for two recent earthquakes, to test its performance. Results (for T>3s) show that MAMBo model reproduces the large amplitude and the long duration of shaking seen in the observed waveforms recorded on sediments.


MAMBo model was developed in the framework of the DPC-INGV 2013/2014 S1 project. This study has been partially funded by the Italian Presidenza del Consiglio dei Ministri-Dipartimento di Protezione Civile, through INGV-DPC Seismological Project S1, 2012-2013. This article/website does not necessarily represent DPC official opinion and policy.