Experimentation begins to strengthen surveillance activities across the country
The The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) and FiberCop have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the use of fiber optics as a distributed sensor for seismic and volcanic monitoring. FiberCop, which manages the most advanced, extensive and widespread digital network infrastructure in Italy, makes its optical fiber available to the Institute for research and land protection applications, contributing to the development of advanced geophysical surveillance systems. The initiative is part of INGV's broader institutional commitment to to make the techniques for observing geophysical phenomena increasingly effective, also making use of innovative methodologies to complement existing tools.
The MOU marks the start of a new phase of research and experimentation that focuses on the network not only as the country's digital connectivity, but also as an innovative tool for environmental safety and prevention.
Furthermore, it represents a unique opportunity to integrate geophysical monitoring with existing digital infrastructures. Thanks to Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) technology, already successfully tested on the island of Vulcano, It is possible to convert cables into a dense network of vibration-sensitive sensors, capable of detecting seismic-volcanic events even in underwater and difficult-to-access environments.
During the experiment conducted by INGV and international partners, over 1.400 seismic events were detected in a single month, with a variety of signals that allowed for detailed study of the state of the island's hydrothermal system. The use of artificial intelligence and high-performance computing enabled the analysis of over 20 terabytes of data, opening up new perspectives for volcanic surveillance and emergency management.
In line with the agreement, FiberCop is making sections of dark fiber optic cable available to INGV to enhance geophysical observation activities in sensitive areas. The goal is to contribute to the creation of a distributed, permanent, and high-precision monitoring system to complement and enhance traditional sensor networks, particularly in areas at risk of earthquakes and volcanoes.
The acquisition and analysis of DAS signals is currently underway along a fiber optic cable that crosses the active seismic area of Campi Flegrei and covers approximately 20 km from Bagnoli to Bacoli.The distributed nature of DAS measurements allows for a significant number of measurement points (every 5 meters), which facilitates the identification of minor events, especially in seismic swarms. The INGV has developed an application for real-time analysis of the acquired data and event detection using Artificial Intelligence techniques.
“The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between our Institute and FiberCop represents an important opportunity to strengthen and make increasingly effective the observation techniques of geophysical phenomena - said Fabio Florindo, President of the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) - Ensuring a comprehensive, integrated, and efficient monitoring system, particularly in areas at greatest seismic and volcanic risk, is a priority for us, including through the adoption of innovative methodologies alongside traditional observation tools.
“The FiberCop network is a capillary system that enables digital connectivity, designed to ensure reliable and high-performance communications, and capable of taking on an even broader role by becoming an advanced platform for seismic and geophysical monitoring - said Massimo Sarmi, President and CEO of FiberCop. "The agreement with INGV represents a strategic step in leveraging our infrastructure as a resource for protecting the territory and strengthens our vision of a digital ecosystem that combines innovation, sustainability, and responsibility, positioning fiber optics as a key element for the country's resilience and progress."
With this initiative, FiberCop is making its network available to the local community, transforming fiber optics from a transmission infrastructure to a monitoring tool thanks to Fiber Optic Sensing. In collaboration with universities, research institutions, and European projects, the company is exploring new applications for detecting temperature and mechanical variations along the network and developing solutions that combine technology, sustainability, and safety.
The agreement is part of the research and experimentation activities aimed at evaluating and implementing innovative technologies to support safety and risk prevention.In this context, the use of fiber optics represents an important addition to existing infrastructure, opening up new perspectives in national territorial monitoring.
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National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV)
