Behind the Paper

Multi-parametric observations of the large bang of August 14, 2023 in the Gran Sasso aquifer, Central Italy

A  multidisciplinary investigation of the strong acoustic event recorded on 14 August 2023 inside the Gran Sasso underground laboratories, combining ring laser gyroscope measurements, broadband seismic observations, hydrogeological pressure data, and acoustic monitoring.

 GINGERINO, the ring laser gyroscope installed at INFN Gran Sasso, together with  IV.GIGS, a broadband seismometer, forms a four-component seismic station capable of probing both rotational and translational ground motion.


Thanks to the continuous observations provided by GINGERINO, we identified a persistent disturbance in the rotational signal from May 10 until the major August 14 event, in remarkable temporal agreement with the groundwater level and pressure anomalies that started in May.
A clear physical connection was shown between the hydrogeological changes and the final acoustic bang.


This study highlights the power of combining high-sensitivity rotational sensing with multi-parameter geophysical observations to investigate complex underground dynamics, slow local processes, and their long-term evolution.