Indexes and physical parameters for the litho-stratigraphic model of Venice

We performed passive and controlled source seismic surveys in the historical center of Venice to characterize subsoil layers, seismic indexes and physical parameters of subsoil. The adopted techniques allowed us to identify two main different seismic responses for the Venetian subsoil, in terms of both elastic earth parameters and seismic characteristics. In particular, the horizontal to vertical spectral ratio technique was applied, highlighting a substantial relevant heterogeneity. This is due to the presence of relatively strong acoustic impedance contrast in the shallow subsoil (8–10 m deep), detected only in some sites of historical city center. With the aid of a geological reconstruction, seismic surveys interpretation was able to highlight the presence of a particular alluvial complex, identified as a ‘multistorey sandbody’. The measurements campaign furnished, moreover, indexes and physical parameters quantification for the litho-stratigraphic model of the Venetian subsoil.