The University’s Seismic Monitoring and Research Unit (SMRU) has been conducting various geophysical measurements over the past few years to study the upper 50 metres of the ground beneath numerous locations across the Maltese islands. By studying the shallow subsurface, the SMRU aims to understand how localities can be affected differently by earthquake shakes.

Daniela Farrugia, a doctorate student at SMRU, says that the underlying geological layers can greatly alter the seismic waves from earthquakes by amplifying their motion, changing the frequency and increasing the shaking duration during an earthquake.

Farrugia is using the earth’s natural seismic ambient noise – the natural and continuous vibrations of rocks caused by wind, ocean waves and traffic – to image the subsurface structures. Her results will shed light on the anticipated ground amplification Malta might experience in an earthquake.

Students interested in similar studies are encouraged to contact the SMRU.

http://seismic.research.um.edu.mt