CN algorithm: intermediate-term Earthquake prediction and seismotectonic model validation.

The CN algorithm is here utilized both for the intermediate-term earthquake prediction and to validate the seismotectonic model of the Italian territory. Using the results of the previous analysis, made through the CN algorithm and taking into account the seismotectonic model, three main areas, one for Northern Italy, one for Central Italy and one for Southern Italy, are defined. The separation among them is not marked by sharp boundaries, and on the basis of different zonations, it is possible to identify intersection areas, which can be assigned to either bordering main areas. The earthquakes occurred in these areas contribute to the precursor phenomena identified by the CN algorithm in each main area when the TIPs duration decreases when the intersection areas are included. In a further step we have constructed a revised catalogue using the most recent information about the seismicity in Italy, and we have considered a regionalization that follows strictly the boundaries of the areas defined in the seismotectonic model of Italy. Each of these new regions contains only the zones with similar seismotectonic characteristics. The results obtained in this way are good and stable and represent an improvement with respect to the previous investigations