A perceptual sound space for auditory displays based on sung-vowel synthesis

When designing displays for the human senses, perceptual spaces are of great importance to give intuitive access to physical attributes. Similar to how perceptual spaces based on hue, saturation, and lightness were constructed for visual color, research has explored perceptual spaces for sounds of a given timbral family based on timbre, brightness, and pitch. To promote an embodied approach to the design of auditory displays, we introduce the Vowel-Type-Pitch (VTP) space, a cylindrical sound space based on human sung vowels, whose timbres can be synthesized by the composition of acoustic formants and can be categorically labeled. Vowels are arranged along the circular dimension, while voice type and pitch of the vowel correspond to the remaining two axes of the cylindrical VTP space. The decoupling and perceptual effectiveness of the three dimensions of the VTP space are tested through a vowel labeling experiment, whose results are visualized as maps on circular slices of the VTP cylinder. We discuss implications for the design of auditory and multi-sensory displays that account for human perceptual capabilities

Statistical moments of power spectrum: a fast tool for the classification of seismic events recorded on volcanoes

Abstract. Spectral analysis has been applied to almost thousand seismic events recorded at Vesuvius volcano (Naples, southern Italy) in 2018 with the aim to test a new tool for a fast event classification. We computed two spectral parameters, central frequency and shape factor, from the spectral moments of order 0, 1, and 2, for each event at seven seismic stations taking the mean among the three components of ground motion. The analyzed events consist of volcano-tectonic earthquakes, low frequency events and unclassified events (landslides, rockfall, thunders, quarry blasts, etc.). Most of them are of low magnitude, and/or low maximum signal amplitude, therefore the signal to noise ratio is very different between the low noise summit stations and the higher noise stations installed at low elevation around the volcano. The results of our analysis show that volcano-tectonic earthquakes and low frequency events are easily distinguishable through the spectral moments values, particularly at seismic stations closer to the epicenter. On the contrary, unclassified events show the spectral parameters values distributed in a broad range which overlap both the volcano-tectonic earthquakes and the low frequency events. Since the computation of spectral parameters is extremely easy and fast for a detected event, it may become an effective tool for event classification in observatory practice

Array and spectral ratio techniques applied to seismic noise to investigate the Campi Flegrei (Italy) subsoil structure at different scales

Abstract. The purpose of this work is to study the subsoil structure of the Campi Flegrei area using both spectral ratios and array techniques applied to seismic noise. We have estimated the dispersion curves of Rayleigh waves by applying the Frequency–Wavenumber (f–k hereinafter) and Modified Spatial Autocorrelation (MSPAC) techniques to the seismic noise recorded by the underground short period seismic Array "ARF", by the broadband stations of the UNREST experiment and by the broadband stations of the seismic monitoring network of INGV – Osservatorio Vesuviano. We have performed the inversion of a dispersion curve (obtained averaging the f–k and MSPAC dispersion curves of seismic noise and single phase velocity values of coherent transient signals) jointly with the H∕V spectral ratio of the broadband station CELG, to obtain a shear wave velocity model up to 2000 m depth. The best-fit model obtained is in a good agreement with the stratigraphic information available in the area coming from shallow boreholes and deep wells drilled for geothermal exploration. In active volcanic areas, such as Campi Flegrei, the definition of the velocity model is a crucial issue to characterize the physical parameters of the medium. Generally, a high quality characterization of the medium properties helps to separate the contributions of the volcanic source, path and site in the geophysical observables. Therefore, monitoring possible variations in time of such properties in general can help to recognize anomalies due to the volcano dynamics, i.e. fluid migration connected to the volcanic activity

Experimental study for evaluation of a suitable ground displacement monitoring system: Pilot hole Campi Flegrei Deep Drilling Project case

The paper presents an experimental study carried out in 2012 during the drilling activity for a pilot hole performed in the framework of the Campi Flegrei Deep Drilling Project. A monitoring network has been installed to test and choose a suitable ground deformation system for the subsequent deep drilling of about 3.5 km in the Campi Flegrei Caldera (Italy). We describe the seismic network installed to characterize the structure of the pilot hole area and the ground deformation monitoring system chosen for the small drilling area. Data analysis and results obtained indicate that Total Station is a suitable tool for this case.Published4V. Dinamica dei processi pre-eruttiviN/A or not JC

Insight Into Campi Flegrei Caldera Unrest Through Seismic Tremor Measurements at Pisciarelli Fumarolic Field

Within a general volcanic unrest in the densely urbanized area of Campi Flegrei caldera (Italy) an increase in the activity of Pisciarelli hydrothermal area is occurring. The seismic amplitude of Pisciarelli fumarolic tremor is a proxy for the fluid emission rate of the entire Solfatara‐Pisciarelli hydrothermal system. The long‐term analysis indicates a significant increase, by a factor of ~3 of the fumarolic tremor amplitude since May 2017. This increment matches with the trend of geochemical and seismic parameters observed in Campi Flegrei, therefore highlighting that Pisciarelli is a key site to monitor the volcanic unrest underway in this high‐risk caldera. The analysis of data from three closely spaced seismic stations provided new clues about the source mechanism of the tremor. Analyzing the fumarolic tremor amplitude we could also identify an episode of enlargement of the emission area close to the main fumarole of Pisciarelli. We propose a monitoring system based on the fumarolic tremor analysis, which provides real‐time information on the Pisciarelli hydrothermal activity and therefore on the current unrest in Campi Flegrei caldera.Published5544-55554V. Processi pre-eruttiviJCR Journa

The Borehole Experiment: Investigation of Cortical Structures Through 3D Array Techniques

Over the last few years it is growing the need to monitor the volcanic activity with modern technology in order to mitigate volcanic hazard through the detection of any possible precursor phenomena. The use of high performance seismic stations, such as borehole instruments, may increase the signal to noise ratio (SNR), improving the capability to detect very small signals. Over the past 40 years much attention has been given to the use of seismic arrays to measure the slowness vector of coherent signals. The main advantage of seismic arrays consists in their ability to detect weak or emergent signals, and to allow for an effective noise reduction through multichannel waveform stacking. A reliable prediction of the ray-path back-propagated from the recording site to the source is strongly limited by the poor knowledge of the local shallow velocity structure. Usually in volcanic environments the propagation of seismic signals through the shallow layers is strongly affected by lateral heterogeneity, attenuation, scattering, and interaction with the free surface. Driven by these motivations, on May 2014, in collaboration with the colleagues of Osservatorio Vesuviano (INGV), we deployed a 3D seismic array in the area where the borehole seismic station called Pozzo Pitarrone is installed at a depth of about 130 meters. This will improve our knowledge about: • the structure of the top layer and its relationship with geology; • analysis of the signal to noise ratio (SNR) of volcanic signals as a function of frequency; • study of seismic ray-path deformation caused by the interaction of the seismic waves with the free surface; • evaluation of the attenuation of the seismic signals correlated with the volcanic activity. The results of these analyses will improve the general knowledge of wave propagation in the shallow layers and will give a new contribution to the seismic monitoring of Etna volcano.PublishedNicolosi (Catania), Italy1T. Struttura della Terr

Preliminary analysis of site effects in the Ischia island: new insights from md 4.0 earthquake of 21 august 2017 and seismic noise data

On August 21, 2017, at 18:57 UTC, an earthquake of MD 4.0 occurred in Casamicciola, district of Ischia island. The damage caused by the earthquake was massive, with two victims and several buildings collapsed, and circumscribed to the areas of uptown Casamicciola, particularly in the Piazza Maio-La Rita area, and in a small area, called Fango, in Lacco Ameno. Medium and minor damages occurred in Piazza Bagni, in the area around the town hall of Casamicciola and in the Sentinella area. Even assuming the poor quality constructions and/or not in compliance with the anti-seismic regulations, such a level of damage has induced the scientific community to analyse the effects of local site amplifications, that usually are not negligible in volcanic areas. As a matter of fact the seismic station IOCA, located very close to the high damage areas, recorded a peak ground acceleration (PGA) of 2.6 m/s2. This paper is aimed to study the possible site amplification in the areas heavily affected by the August 21 earthquake in order to better understand the causes of these macroseismic effects and high damage levels already observed in the past.PublishedCentro Congressi della Stazione Marittima, Trieste, Italy6V. Pericolosità vulcanica e contributi alla stima del rischi

Campi Flegrei, Vesuvius and Ischia Seismicity in the Context of the Neapolitan Volcanic Area

Studying seismicity in a volcanic environment provides important information on the state of activity of volcanoes. The seismicity of the Neapolitan volcanoes, Campi Flegrei, Vesuvius, and Ischia, shows distinctive characteristics for each volcano, covering a wide range of patterns and types. In this study we relocated some significant volcano-tectonic earthquake swarms that occurred in Campi Flegrei and Vesuvius. Moreover, we compared the earthquake occurrence evolution, the magnitude and the seismic energy release of the three volcanoes. Also, we considered the results of seismic analysis in the light of geochemical and ground deformation data that contribute to defining the state of activity of volcanoes. In Campi Flegrei, which is experiencing a long term unrest, we identified a seismogenic structure at shallow depth in Pisciarelli zone that has been activated repeatedly. The increasing seismicity accompanies an escalation of the hydrothermal activity and a ground uplift phase. At Vesuvius a very shallow seismicity is recorded, which in recent years has shown an increase in terms of the number of events per year. Earthquakes are usually located right beneath the crater axis. They are concentrated in a volume affected by the hydrothermal system. Finally, Ischia generally shows a low level of seismicity, however, in Casamicciola area events with a moderate magnitude can occur and these are potentially capable of causing severe damage to the town and population, due to their small hypocentral depth (typically < 2.5 km). After the seismic crisis of August 21, 2017 (mainshock magnitude M = 4), the seismicity returned to a low level in terms of occurrence rate and magnitude of earthquakes. The seismicity of these three different volcanic areas shows some common aspects that highlight a relevant role of hydrothermal processes in the seismogenesis of volcanic areas. However, while the main swarms in Campi Flegrei and most of the Vesuvian earthquakes are distributed along conduit-like structures, the seismicity of Ischia is mainly located along faults. Furthermore, the temporal evolution of seismicity in Neapolitan volcanic area suggests a concomitant increase in the occurrence of earthquakes both in Campi Flegrei and Vesuvius in recent years

Gruppo Operativo Emersito++ Evento Sismico Ischia 2017: Campagne Di Misure Geofisiche, Rapporto N°1

Rapporto Tecnico n°1 della task force operativa EMERSITO++ (INGV) che descrive le campagne sismiche ed elettromagnetiche condotte nei comuni di Casamicciola Terme e di Lacco Ameno a seguito del terremoto di Ischia del 21 Agosto 2017.INGVPublished4T. Sismologia, geofisica e geologia per l'ingegneria sismica1SR. TERREMOTI - Servizi e ricerca per la SocietàN/A or not JC