Researchers have developed a cutting-edge fiber optic gyroscope to monitor ground rotations caused by earthquakes in the active volcanic region of Campi Flegrei in Naples, Italy. This innovative technology aims to enhance the understanding of seismic activity in the densely populated area, potentially leading to improved risk assessment and early warning systems.

Headed by Saverio Avino from the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Istituto Nazionale di Ottica (CNR-INO) in Italy, the research team constructed a prototype fiber optic gyroscope wound around an aluminum spool, leveraging the Sagnac effect. This gyroscope, designed for high resolution, real-time monitoring, has shown promising results in detecting ground rotations during seismic events.

Avino highlighted the significance of capturing both linear and rotational movements that occur on the Earth’s surface during seismic activity. While rotational movements are typically subtle and often overlooked, monitoring them can provide valuable insights into the Earth’s internal dynamics and seismic sources.

Published in the journal Applied Optics, the researchers shared initial observational data obtained from the 2-km long fiber-optic gyroscope. Over a span of five months, the sensor effectively recorded data, successfully identifying noise and ground rotations associated with small to medium local earthquakes.

Naples, home to approximately 3 million residents and three active volcanoes, is equipped with a network of multiparametric sensors for continuous monitoring of various physical and chemical parameters related to seismic and volcanic activities. Integrating ground rotation measurements into this monitoring framework could offer a more comprehensive understanding of volcanic earthquake signals, aiding in the detection of any alterations in volcanic dynamics.

According to Danilo Galuzzo from the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), the inclusion of ground rotation data will contribute valuable insights to the existing array of sensors, enhancing the overall monitoring capabilities in the region.

Gyroscopes play a crucial role in detecting and quantifying changes in orientation or angular velocity of objects. In the context of seismic monitoring, fiber optic gyroscopes offer a sophisticated means of measuring rotational movements, as demonstrated by the successful detection of seismic events in the Campi Flegrei volcanic area.

By harnessing the capabilities of this advanced technology, researchers aim to further refine risk assessment strategies and enhance early warning systems in seismically active regions, ultimately bolstering efforts to mitigate the impact of natural disasters.