Considerazioni terminologiche in campo sismotettonico

Notes on seismotectonic terminology

Abstract

Seismotectonics is a comparatively new field and still lacks a suitable terminology that would facilitate proper collaboration between researchers working in the various disciplines it concerns. With a view to encouraging discussion on this point, a terminology making explicit reference to the conceptual and operational context within which the phenomena and magnitudes involved can be defined is proposed, particular attention being given to the distinction between « superficial » tectonic features, « deep » tectonic features, and seismological features. A distinction of this kind is felt to be especially appropriate in the analysis stage, when the evaluations expressed, above all with regard to « activity » (both geological and seismic), must be kept free from any form of conceptual constraint that might have an adverse effect on the soundness of seismotectonic deductions drawn therefrom in the synthesis stage.