These maps show the seismic activity in different time intervals, before the seismic event to which they refer. Data reported in the first two maps come from the analysis carried out in real time by the personnel of the INGV Operating Rooms, immediately after each earthquake. The third map shows data from 1985 to the date of the earthquake: the locations are reviewed by the seismological analysts of the INGV Italian Seismic Bulletin (Bollettino Sismico Italiano dell’INGV). The localization parameters (hypocentral coordinates and magnitude) are the best possible estimate with the data available to the INGV, but are constantly updated according to further data that become available. The location and magnitude parameters, subsequently reviewed by seismological analysts, may vary.

Seismic hazard maps provide probabilistic estimates of the earthquake ground shaking exceeding a given threshold in a given geographic region within a given time window. Thus, it is not a deterministic prediction - a target that may be never reached given the complexity of the earthquake physical phenomenon - nor of the maximum expected earthquake since this has extremely low probabilities to occur.

In 2004, it was published the seismic hazard map of Italy (http://zonesismiche.mi.ingv.it) that provides a picture of the most hazardous geographic regions. The seismic hazard map of Italy (GdL MPS, 2004; rif. Ordinanza PCM del 28 aprile 2006, n. 3519, All. 1b) provides the 10% probability of exceedance in 50 years of the horizontal acceleration at rock sites (i.e., Vs30>800 m/s; cat. A, 3.2.1 of the D.M. 14.09.2005).

The colours indicate the various values of the ground acceleration that have 10% to be exceeded within 50 years. In general, the colours associated to low values of acceleration refer to areas that are less hazardous and stronger earthquakes repeat less frequently although they may still occur.