understanding the MechAnisms and Distribution of western ALPs Seismicity: toward an integrated approach – MADALPS

The MADALPS project aims to understand the MechAnism and Distribution of the western ALPs’ Seismicity, by means of an integrated approach (seismology, tectonics, geodesy). It explores the seismogenic processes, focusing on swarm dynamics, and integrates the relationships between properties of seismic activity, regionalization of deformations and tectonics. It considers climate-tectonic interactions (glacier impact on deformation) and examines the distribution and loading mechanisms of seismicity. MADALPS addresses the challenges of seismogenic processes in a slowly deforming orogen and associated seismic hazard assessment. The project is organized into 4 work packages (WP):
WP1 focuses on earthquake mechanisms, seismic swarm dynamics and tectonics. It aims to improve earthquake location accuracy (double-differences method) and to analyze seismic strain rates. It is based on the SISMAlp catalog (50000 events) and complementary datasets (Résif-EPOS).
WP2 focuses on representative active faults in the W-Alps, including the High-Durance-Serenne-Bersezio fault, and the Mont-Blanc area, using complementary methods to assess their activity such as paleoseismology and a 1-year specific nodes campaign along the Serenne-Bersezio fault.
WP3 explores vertical movements and seismicity, analyzing their correlation, with a focus on glacial unloading and buoyancy forces. Vertical motions will be analyzed using GNSS and InSAR methods. This approach is of first importance to decipher between extrinsic (GIA, erosional unloading) and intrinsic (plate tectonics and deep structures) forces governing the belt’s dynamics. A focus will be developed on the Belledonne fault.
WP4 develops numerical models to constrain the relative impacts of tectonic forces, surface processes, and deep structures on the strain and stress fields in the W-Alps, shedding light on their role for seismicity. It will help to determine how the dynamics of active faults, observed using seismology, can contrast with their long-term (Quaternary) activity.