Hydrogeochemical survey of the Bagni di Lucca thermal zone with the purpose of monitoring hydrogeochemical foresights of earthquakes (Northern Tuscany, Italy)

Abstract

We present the results of a hydrogeochemical survey of the Bagni di Lucca area, a thermal district in the Serchio Valley, one of the areas of highest seismic risk in Tuscany, Italy. The aim of the survey was to identify a suitable site to be monitored for geochemical precursors of earthquakes. Based on hydrogeological and geochemical features, the Bernabò spring emerged as a proper candidate site for the installation and testing of an automatic monitoring station equipped with specific sensors for the continuous measurement of selected physical-chemical parameters (temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, redox potential).