Critical considerations on the evaluation of macroseismic effects

The definition of some of the standards used for evaluating local effectsand optimizing the relative macroseismic procedures are criticallyconsidered, also from the different interpretative points of view to havecome out of the « Earthquake Catalogue » work group of the Italian GeodynamicsProjetc (PFG). Particular stress has been laid on the significanceand reliability of the main macroseismic parameters which dependmost directly on the investigative criteria used and on their ability tocharacterize efficiently the interaction of earthquakes and environment.Essentially, the analysis is of critical considerations and field-observations,the fruit of macroseismic investigations carried out prevalently inthe Calabro-Peloritan Arc region. The seismic intensity, the use of macroseismicscales, the investigatory criteria, the macroseismic field and its anomalies are the topics chosen for a study which — even if limited fromcertain aspects — it is hoped will stimulate further thought and evaluations