Anomalous far-field geodetic signature related to the 2009 L'Aquila (central Italy) earthquake

Abstract The broad availability of geodetic measurements for the M-w 6.3 April 6th 2009 L'Aquila earthquake allowed an unprecedented description of the co- and post-seismic ground deformations, leading to the definition of the Paganica fault geometry and kinematics. Through DInSAR, we found, in a wide area of 20 kilometres on the Paganica hangingwall, a further displacement up to 7 cm, which might have occurred in the earthquake proximity. In this study, we explore the possibility of the co-, post- and pre-seismic alternative scenarios. Although our data are not sufficient to undoubtedly prove that this signal occurred before the main event, this seems to be the most likely hypothesis based on tectonics constraints and image acquisition times. The nature of this deformation remains unclear, but we speculate that deep fluids played a role. These results can drive ad hoc requirements for future space-based missions and design of the GPS network.