A 17th century damaging earthquake cluster in the Gargano area and its implications on the understanding of local seismicity

The existence of a significant earthquake cluster located in the Gargano area (Southern Italy) between 1627 and 1688 A.D. was discovered by an investigation following innovative criteria (information on local seismicity was sought for in non-local historical records of a special kind – i.e. diplomatic and journalistic serial sources - as opposed to the more traditional approach of thoroughly analysing any available local historical records). The events belonging to the 17th century cluster are described, in the context of a survey of the current state of knowledge on historical Gargano seismicity including a critical evaluation of previous studies and a concise review of those earthquakes still lacking adequate studies. Hypotheses on the seismotectonic effects of the event and its influences on the evaluation of hazard are also formulated.In press3.10. Sismologia storica e archeosismologiaJCR Journalope