Viti Marcello

1. Geodynamics of the Mediterranean region. Analysis of the Neogene evolution of the Mediterranean, aimed at reconstructing the interaction of lithospheric plates and microplates (Adriatic, Africa/Nubia, Anatolia, Arabia, Eurasia, Iberia and Morocco). Reconstruction of tectonic processes (Alpine and Apennine orogeny, back-arc basins, etc.) and related magmatic episodes. Study of the seismic-tectonic processes underway in the Mediterranean area, also through investigations into seismic history, with particular reference to the Italian region.

2. Thermal and mechanical properties of the crust-mantle system. Determination of the thermal state of the lithosphere based on information on the crust-mantle system, available at global, regional and local scales. Reconstruction of the rheological profile of the lithosphere and identification of layers with brittle, semi-brittle and plastic behavior.

3. Analysis of post-seismic relaxation processes. Investigations on the stress and strain perturbation induced by strong earthquakes at peri-Adriatic seismic sources. Use of elastic-viscous numerical models, which take into account the structural and rheological characteristics of the lithosphere. Comparison of numerical experiments with seismological data, seismic history and space geodesy (GPS) measurements, to understand how post-seismic perturbation can influence the activation of the main seismic sources of the Italian region.

4. Space geodesy (GPS) techniques and applications to seismic-tectonic investigations. Supervision of the Geodetic Network of Tuscany (https://www.regione.toscana.it/-/rete-geodetica-toscana), which for over two decades has used permanent stations for gathering space geodesy measurements (GNSS/GPS). Integration with data provided by over 800 GPS stations located in the Italian region and surroundings. Processing of time series and determination of the horizontal and vertical velocity fields and the deformation field. Use of geodetic data for the study of seismic activity in the Italian region.

5. Geology, exploration, production and use of natural resources (geothermal fluids and hydrocarbons). Evaluation of the geothermal potential of the Italian region using the available information on the surface heat flow and the temperature distribution with depth