Francesco Matonti - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Francesco Matonti

Journal of Geophysical Research, 2007

International Astronomical Union Colloquium, 2004

We present an overview of our study of the short period variable stars in the Large Magellanic Cl... more We present an overview of our study of the short period variable stars in the Large Magellanic Cloud, and in the dwarf galaxies Fornax, Leo I, and NGC 6822. Light curves are presented for RR Lyrae stars, Anomalous Cepheids and, for the first time, for Dwarf Cepheids in the field and in the globular cluster #3 of the Fornax galaxy.

arXiv (Cornell University), May 27, 2003

Results are presented of a study of the variable star populations in the dwarf spheroidal galaxy ... more Results are presented of a study of the variable star populations in the dwarf spheroidal galaxy Leo I and in the dwarf irregular galaxy NGC 6822, based on time series photometry obtained with the Wide Field Imager of the 2.2 m ESO/MPI telescope (Leo I) and the Very Large Telescope (NGC 6822). We found about 250 (lower limit) variables in Leo I most of which are RR Lyrae stars. In NGC 6822 we identified 450 candidate variables among which about 20 are RR Lyrae stars, and many are low-luminosity, small-amplitude Cepheids.

<p>With the integration of positioning solutions into mass-production autonomous dr... more <p>With the integration of positioning solutions into mass-production autonomous driving systems, together with the ever-increasing demand for global positioning applications the use of a global reference frame is now a requirement that global correction service providers need to support and deliver, whilst still maintaining support of local (regional) official reference frames. To maintain high precision of the GNSS network we perform a daily solution, which is computed based on precise orbits and following the guidelines of the EPN Analysis Centres. Using the daily solutions, we are estimating the linear velocity of reference stations within GNSS networks and are also considering jumps due to equipment changes. The estimated velocities give the opportunity to monitor the long-term stability of the network as well as the quality of reference station coordinates. The transition between ITRF2014 and ITRF2020 on a large GNSS reference stations worldwide, including the computation of the HxGN SmartNet GNSS network consisting of more than 5300 GNSS reference stations, will be investigated to evaluate the impact that this could have on the users using the correction services.</p> <p>The daily solution and monitoring of GNSS networks, such as HxGN SmartNet, is executed by the Leica Geosystems solution named Leica CrossCheck, which is based on Bernese GNSS software. Leica CrossCheck is capable to monitor GNSS networks of all scales.</p> <p>KEYWORDS: GNSS reference station network, Bernese GNSS 5.4, Leica CrossCheck, Leica GNSS Spider, HxGN SmartNet, Leica GeoMoS Now!</p> <p><br />References:<br />Dach, R., S. Lutz, P. Walser, P. Fridez (Eds); 2015: Bernese GNSS Software Version 5.2. User manual, Astronomical Institute, Universtiy of Bern, Bern Open Publishing. DOI: 10.7892/boris.72297; ISBN: 978-3-906813-05-9.</p>

European geosciences union general assembly, 2007

Our present knowledge of the surface deformation of the Earth is still discontinuous both in the ... more Our present knowledge of the surface deformation of the Earth is still discontinuous both in the temporal and spatial domain. A detailed knowledge of the crustal deformation at fine scales is a fundamental issue for achieving an increased understanding of the processes acting at the surface of the Earth as well as in its interior. For example, monitoring the surface deformation before and after earthquakes is essential for providing important insights into the evolution of the strain accumulation phase, transients, and the seismogenic cycle. We present a multidisciplinary approach that combines observations derived from continuous Global Positioning System (GPS), Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) and terrestrial gravimetry in combination with times series of local environmental parameters to estimate subsidence in the Southeastern Po Plain. The simultaneous availability, at a few stations, of several geodetic observation techniques such as GPS, gravity and InSAR allows for validation of the individual time series. The combination takes advantage of the complementary strengths of each technique, by overcoming the limitations inherent in each single technique alone. The combination of velocities derived from the GPS and gravity data, further complemented by the results of the InSAR Permanent Scatter technique allows us to monitor continuously in space and time vertical crustal movements. This high-density information is of major importance for understanding the processes responsible for the observed deformation. Here, long-term trends were derived enabling us to map the behavior of subsidence (even exceeding 20 mm/yr) with high spatial resolution in the southeastern Po Plain. The uplifting behavior of the Apennines chain bordering the Po Plain is identified together with a narrow zone separating the contrasting vertical crustal movements

European geosciences union general assembly, 2004

Combining observed vertical height and gravity changes at the same location is not an ordinary ta... more Combining observed vertical height and gravity changes at the same location is not an ordinary task because of possible mass redistribution effects caused by e.g. ground water, atmosphere and the ocean. At Medicina uninterrupted gravity records are available since the beginning of 1998. To determine the instrumental effects of the Superconducting Gravimeter (SG) repeated absolute gravity observations are performed at least once a year, but often more frequently, two or three times a year. Over the 1998-2003 observation period, the long-term gravity signal is a composition of seasonal effects with a superimposed, mostly linear, trend. For an appropriate modeling and interpretation of the gravity data record, additional observations from different techniques, namely CGPS (continuous GPS), InSAR and several meteoclimatic data series are being collected. Geodetic space techniques provide the means to monitor continuously in a unique global reference system three dimensional station coordinates on the Earth's surface thus allowing the computation of high-accuracy horizontal as well as vertical velocities. Whereas CGPS observations provide pointwise information, i.e. the local behavior of a station, the InSAR technique can contribute more to acquire information on the regional deformation effects. To enlarge the local view to a regional area is important because the gravimeter is affected by both local and regional signals. All the available information is used to model the environmental effects and verify the deformation and mass attraction components by the observed height and gravity variations

The Department of Physics of the University of Bologna (UNIBO), the Consorzio Venezia Nuova, sole... more The Department of Physics of the University of Bologna (UNIBO), the Consorzio Venezia Nuova, sole agent of the Magistrato alle Acque di Venezia for the managemente of the Venice lagoon environment (MAV), the Italian National Agency for Environmental Protection and Technical Services (APAT), have recently started joint projects to determine and study vertical crustal movements and sea-level fluctuations in the northern Adriatic area where the natural subsidence has been enhanced by anthropogenic components during last century. The combination of the permanent GPS stations belonging to UNIBO and of those of the MAV and APAT constitutes a basic network for the study of land subsidence in the northern Adriatic. We have studied and applied a combined observational strategy for monitoring and reliably identifying both seasonal and log-term crustal movements, namely height variations/changes. The strategy adopted is based on a multidisciplinary approach that combines the information provided by GPS, InSAR and terrestrial and space gravimetry. The results of these different techniques are compared and combined in a study on land subsidence in the southeastern Po Plain and the northern Adriatic coast, in Italy. The sea-level time series of the Marina di Ravenna, Venice and Trieste tide gauge stations are compared to the Topex/Poseidon satellite altimetry sea-level elevation and to the GPS height and InSAR long-term trends at the same stations

The Department of Physics of the University of Bologna (UNIBO), the Consorzio Venezia Nuova, sole... more The Department of Physics of the University of Bologna (UNIBO), the Consorzio Venezia Nuova, sole agent of the Magistrato alle Acque (MA) for the management of the Venice Lagoon environment and the Italian National Agency for Environmental Protection and Technical Services (APAT), have recently started joint projects to determine and study vertical crustal movements and sea-level fluctuations in the northern

It is of particular importance to define and establish appropriate observational strategies chara... more It is of particular importance to define and establish appropriate observational strategies characterized by the ability to measure, with high accuracy, spatially and time continuous deformations of the land surface. An ensemble of space, airborne and terrestrial techniques can be adopted by taking advantage of the complementary strengths of the different observations. We present a network encompassing northeastern Italy, which

<p&amp... more <p>GNSS networks are required to continue meeting the ever-increasing demand for global positioning applications operating in a global reference frame. Meanwhile, the requirements of applications based in a local (regional) official reference frame must still be met. Using Bernese GNSS software (Dach, 2015), we can process GNSS networks in the ITRF2014 reference frame and, using Leica GNSS Spider, deliver GNSS corrections in ITRF2014, whilst continuing to serve those with local demands.  To maintain high precision of the GNSS network we perform a daily solution, which is computed based on precise orbits and following the guidelines of the EPN Analysis Centres. To ensure the daily solution runs with correct data, we maintain a database of all reference station equipment changes. Using the daily solution, we are estimating the linear velocity of reference stations within GNSS networks, and are also considering jumps due to equipment changes. The estimated velocities give the opportunity to monitor the long-term stability of the network as well as the quality of reference station coordinates. The daily solution and monitoring of GNSS networks are executed by the Leica Geosystems solution named Leica CrossCheck, which is based on Bernese GNSS software. Leica CrossCheck is capable to monitor GNSS networks of all scales. This includes the computation and monitoring of approximately 5000 GNSS reference stations worldwide, including those part of the HxGN SmartNet GNSS network.  </p> <p>KEYWORDS: GNSS reference station network, Bernese GNSS 5.2, Leica CrossCheck, Leica GNSS Spider, HxGN SmartNet <br /> </p> <p>References: <br />Dach, R., S. Lutz, P. Walser, P. Fridez (Eds); 2015: Bernese GNSS Software Version 5.2. User manual, Astronomical Institute, Universtiy of Bern, Bern Open Publishing. DOI: 10.7892/boris.72297; ISBN: 978-3-906813-05-9.   <br /> </p>

<p&amp... more <p>GNSS networks are required to continue meeting the ever-increasing demand for global positioning applications operating in a global reference frame. Meanwhile, the requirements of applications based in a local (regional) official reference frame must still be met. Using Bernese GNSS software (Dach, 2015), we can process GNSS networks in the ITRF2014 reference frame and, using Leica GNSS Spider, deliver GNSS corrections in ITRF2014, whilst continuing to serve those with local demands.  To maintain high precision of the GNSS network we perform a daily solution, which is computed based on precise orbits and following the guidelines of the EPN Analysis Centres. To ensure the daily solution runs with correct data, we maintain a database of all reference station equipment changes. Using the daily solution, we are estimating the linear velocity of reference stations within GNSS networks, and are also considering jumps due to equipment changes. The estimated velocities give the opportunity to monitor the long-term stability of the network as well as the quality of reference station coordinates. The daily solution and monitoring of GNSS networks are executed by the Leica Geosystems solution named Leica CrossCheck, which is based on Bernese GNSS software. Leica CrossCheck is capable to monitor GNSS networks of all scales. This includes the computation and monitoring of approximately 5000 GNSS reference stations worldwide, including those part of the HxGN SmartNet GNSS network.  </p> <p>KEYWORDS: GNSS reference station network, Bernese GNSS 5.2, Leica CrossCheck, Leica GNSS Spider, HxGN SmartNet <br /> </p> <p>References: <br />Dach, R., S. Lutz, P. Walser, P. Fridez (Eds); 2015: Bernese GNSS Software Version 5.2. User manual, Astronomical Institute, Universtiy of Bern, Bern Open Publishing. DOI: 10.7892/boris.72297; ISBN: 978-3-906813-05-9.   <br /> </p>

The Department of Physics of the University of Bologna (UNIBO), the Consorzio Venezia Nuova, sole... more The Department of Physics of the University of Bologna (UNIBO), the Consorzio Venezia Nuova, sole agent of the Magistrato alle Acque (MA) for the management of the Venice Lagoon environment and the Italian National Agency for Environmental Protection and Technical Services (APAT), have recently started joint projects to determine and study vertical crustal movements and sea-level fluctuations in the northern Adriatic area where the natural subsidence has been enhanced by anthropogenic components during last century. The combination of the permanent GPS stations belonging to UNIBO and of those of the MA and APAT constitutes a basic network for the study of land subsidence in the northern Adriatic. InSAR data are used to observe spatially continuous vertical deformation. Most of the stations are also monitored by means of absolute gravity measurements. Both long-term and short-term (seasonal) vertical crustal movements are observed and modeled. The GRACE mission data are used to estimate the regional hydrological contribution to the observed height seasonal variations. The sea-level time series of the Marina di Ravenna, Venice and Trieste tide gauge stations are compared to the Topex/Poseidon satellite altimetry sea-level elevation and to the GPS height long-term trends at the same stations.

It is of particular importance to define and establish appropriate observational strategies chara... more It is of particular importance to define and establish appropriate observational strategies characterized by the ability to measure, with high accuracy, spatially and time continuous deformations of the land surface. An ensemble of space, airborne and terrestrial techniques can be adopted by taking advantage of the complementary strengths of the different observations. We present a network encompassing northeastern Italy, which

The Venice Lagoon, Italy, is a unique worldwide environment which is presently vulnerable due to ... more The Venice Lagoon, Italy, is a unique worldwide environment which is presently vulnerable due to loss in surface elevation as a result of land subsidence referred to the mean sea level. Land displacements in the Venice coastland have been determined over time by traditional monitoring techniques (i.e., spirit leveling and GPS). Recently, SAR-based analyses have been used to complement the ground-based methods. Interferometric analysis on persistent point targets has been proved to be very effective in detecting land displacement in the coastal environment. ERS SAR and ENVISAT ASAR images spanning the time period 1992-2005 and 2003-2006, respectively, have been processed at regional and local scale and on "natural" as well as "artificial" reflectors.

Journal of Geophysical Research, 2007

1] The southeastern Po Plain is affected by high natural and anthropogenic subsidence. The area i... more 1] The southeastern Po Plain is affected by high natural and anthropogenic subsidence. The area is well suited to test the application of an observational strategy which combines different techniques to extract information on the spatial and temporal variability of the subsidence. The simultaneous availability, at a few stations, of several geodetic observation techniques such as Global Positioning System (GPS), gravity, and Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) allows for validation of the individual time series. The combination takes advantage of the complementary strengths of each technique by overcoming the limitations inherent in each single technique alone. The combination of velocities derived from the GPS and gravity data, further complemented by the results of the InSAR Permanent Scatterers technique, allows us to monitor continuously, in space and time, vertical crustal movements. This high-density information is of major importance for understanding the processes responsible for the observed deformation. Here long-term trends were derived, enabling us to map the behavior of subsidence (even exceeding 20 mm/yr) with high spatial resolution in the southeastern Po Plain. The uplifting behavior of the Apennines chain bordering the Po Plain is identified together with a narrow zone separating the contrasting vertical crustal movements.

Journal of Geophysical Research, 2007

International Astronomical Union Colloquium, 2004

We present an overview of our study of the short period variable stars in the Large Magellanic Cl... more We present an overview of our study of the short period variable stars in the Large Magellanic Cloud, and in the dwarf galaxies Fornax, Leo I, and NGC 6822. Light curves are presented for RR Lyrae stars, Anomalous Cepheids and, for the first time, for Dwarf Cepheids in the field and in the globular cluster #3 of the Fornax galaxy.

arXiv (Cornell University), May 27, 2003

Results are presented of a study of the variable star populations in the dwarf spheroidal galaxy ... more Results are presented of a study of the variable star populations in the dwarf spheroidal galaxy Leo I and in the dwarf irregular galaxy NGC 6822, based on time series photometry obtained with the Wide Field Imager of the 2.2 m ESO/MPI telescope (Leo I) and the Very Large Telescope (NGC 6822). We found about 250 (lower limit) variables in Leo I most of which are RR Lyrae stars. In NGC 6822 we identified 450 candidate variables among which about 20 are RR Lyrae stars, and many are low-luminosity, small-amplitude Cepheids.

<p>With the integration of positioning solutions into mass-production autonomous dr... more <p>With the integration of positioning solutions into mass-production autonomous driving systems, together with the ever-increasing demand for global positioning applications the use of a global reference frame is now a requirement that global correction service providers need to support and deliver, whilst still maintaining support of local (regional) official reference frames. To maintain high precision of the GNSS network we perform a daily solution, which is computed based on precise orbits and following the guidelines of the EPN Analysis Centres. Using the daily solutions, we are estimating the linear velocity of reference stations within GNSS networks and are also considering jumps due to equipment changes. The estimated velocities give the opportunity to monitor the long-term stability of the network as well as the quality of reference station coordinates. The transition between ITRF2014 and ITRF2020 on a large GNSS reference stations worldwide, including the computation of the HxGN SmartNet GNSS network consisting of more than 5300 GNSS reference stations, will be investigated to evaluate the impact that this could have on the users using the correction services.</p> <p>The daily solution and monitoring of GNSS networks, such as HxGN SmartNet, is executed by the Leica Geosystems solution named Leica CrossCheck, which is based on Bernese GNSS software. Leica CrossCheck is capable to monitor GNSS networks of all scales.</p> <p>KEYWORDS: GNSS reference station network, Bernese GNSS 5.4, Leica CrossCheck, Leica GNSS Spider, HxGN SmartNet, Leica GeoMoS Now!</p> <p><br />References:<br />Dach, R., S. Lutz, P. Walser, P. Fridez (Eds); 2015: Bernese GNSS Software Version 5.2. User manual, Astronomical Institute, Universtiy of Bern, Bern Open Publishing. DOI: 10.7892/boris.72297; ISBN: 978-3-906813-05-9.</p>

European geosciences union general assembly, 2007

Our present knowledge of the surface deformation of the Earth is still discontinuous both in the ... more Our present knowledge of the surface deformation of the Earth is still discontinuous both in the temporal and spatial domain. A detailed knowledge of the crustal deformation at fine scales is a fundamental issue for achieving an increased understanding of the processes acting at the surface of the Earth as well as in its interior. For example, monitoring the surface deformation before and after earthquakes is essential for providing important insights into the evolution of the strain accumulation phase, transients, and the seismogenic cycle. We present a multidisciplinary approach that combines observations derived from continuous Global Positioning System (GPS), Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) and terrestrial gravimetry in combination with times series of local environmental parameters to estimate subsidence in the Southeastern Po Plain. The simultaneous availability, at a few stations, of several geodetic observation techniques such as GPS, gravity and InSAR allows for validation of the individual time series. The combination takes advantage of the complementary strengths of each technique, by overcoming the limitations inherent in each single technique alone. The combination of velocities derived from the GPS and gravity data, further complemented by the results of the InSAR Permanent Scatter technique allows us to monitor continuously in space and time vertical crustal movements. This high-density information is of major importance for understanding the processes responsible for the observed deformation. Here, long-term trends were derived enabling us to map the behavior of subsidence (even exceeding 20 mm/yr) with high spatial resolution in the southeastern Po Plain. The uplifting behavior of the Apennines chain bordering the Po Plain is identified together with a narrow zone separating the contrasting vertical crustal movements

European geosciences union general assembly, 2004

Combining observed vertical height and gravity changes at the same location is not an ordinary ta... more Combining observed vertical height and gravity changes at the same location is not an ordinary task because of possible mass redistribution effects caused by e.g. ground water, atmosphere and the ocean. At Medicina uninterrupted gravity records are available since the beginning of 1998. To determine the instrumental effects of the Superconducting Gravimeter (SG) repeated absolute gravity observations are performed at least once a year, but often more frequently, two or three times a year. Over the 1998-2003 observation period, the long-term gravity signal is a composition of seasonal effects with a superimposed, mostly linear, trend. For an appropriate modeling and interpretation of the gravity data record, additional observations from different techniques, namely CGPS (continuous GPS), InSAR and several meteoclimatic data series are being collected. Geodetic space techniques provide the means to monitor continuously in a unique global reference system three dimensional station coordinates on the Earth's surface thus allowing the computation of high-accuracy horizontal as well as vertical velocities. Whereas CGPS observations provide pointwise information, i.e. the local behavior of a station, the InSAR technique can contribute more to acquire information on the regional deformation effects. To enlarge the local view to a regional area is important because the gravimeter is affected by both local and regional signals. All the available information is used to model the environmental effects and verify the deformation and mass attraction components by the observed height and gravity variations

The Department of Physics of the University of Bologna (UNIBO), the Consorzio Venezia Nuova, sole... more The Department of Physics of the University of Bologna (UNIBO), the Consorzio Venezia Nuova, sole agent of the Magistrato alle Acque di Venezia for the managemente of the Venice lagoon environment (MAV), the Italian National Agency for Environmental Protection and Technical Services (APAT), have recently started joint projects to determine and study vertical crustal movements and sea-level fluctuations in the northern Adriatic area where the natural subsidence has been enhanced by anthropogenic components during last century. The combination of the permanent GPS stations belonging to UNIBO and of those of the MAV and APAT constitutes a basic network for the study of land subsidence in the northern Adriatic. We have studied and applied a combined observational strategy for monitoring and reliably identifying both seasonal and log-term crustal movements, namely height variations/changes. The strategy adopted is based on a multidisciplinary approach that combines the information provided by GPS, InSAR and terrestrial and space gravimetry. The results of these different techniques are compared and combined in a study on land subsidence in the southeastern Po Plain and the northern Adriatic coast, in Italy. The sea-level time series of the Marina di Ravenna, Venice and Trieste tide gauge stations are compared to the Topex/Poseidon satellite altimetry sea-level elevation and to the GPS height and InSAR long-term trends at the same stations

The Department of Physics of the University of Bologna (UNIBO), the Consorzio Venezia Nuova, sole... more The Department of Physics of the University of Bologna (UNIBO), the Consorzio Venezia Nuova, sole agent of the Magistrato alle Acque (MA) for the management of the Venice Lagoon environment and the Italian National Agency for Environmental Protection and Technical Services (APAT), have recently started joint projects to determine and study vertical crustal movements and sea-level fluctuations in the northern

It is of particular importance to define and establish appropriate observational strategies chara... more It is of particular importance to define and establish appropriate observational strategies characterized by the ability to measure, with high accuracy, spatially and time continuous deformations of the land surface. An ensemble of space, airborne and terrestrial techniques can be adopted by taking advantage of the complementary strengths of the different observations. We present a network encompassing northeastern Italy, which

<p&amp... more <p>GNSS networks are required to continue meeting the ever-increasing demand for global positioning applications operating in a global reference frame. Meanwhile, the requirements of applications based in a local (regional) official reference frame must still be met. Using Bernese GNSS software (Dach, 2015), we can process GNSS networks in the ITRF2014 reference frame and, using Leica GNSS Spider, deliver GNSS corrections in ITRF2014, whilst continuing to serve those with local demands.  To maintain high precision of the GNSS network we perform a daily solution, which is computed based on precise orbits and following the guidelines of the EPN Analysis Centres. To ensure the daily solution runs with correct data, we maintain a database of all reference station equipment changes. Using the daily solution, we are estimating the linear velocity of reference stations within GNSS networks, and are also considering jumps due to equipment changes. The estimated velocities give the opportunity to monitor the long-term stability of the network as well as the quality of reference station coordinates. The daily solution and monitoring of GNSS networks are executed by the Leica Geosystems solution named Leica CrossCheck, which is based on Bernese GNSS software. Leica CrossCheck is capable to monitor GNSS networks of all scales. This includes the computation and monitoring of approximately 5000 GNSS reference stations worldwide, including those part of the HxGN SmartNet GNSS network.  </p> <p>KEYWORDS: GNSS reference station network, Bernese GNSS 5.2, Leica CrossCheck, Leica GNSS Spider, HxGN SmartNet <br /> </p> <p>References: <br />Dach, R., S. Lutz, P. Walser, P. Fridez (Eds); 2015: Bernese GNSS Software Version 5.2. User manual, Astronomical Institute, Universtiy of Bern, Bern Open Publishing. DOI: 10.7892/boris.72297; ISBN: 978-3-906813-05-9.   <br /> </p>

<p&amp... more <p>GNSS networks are required to continue meeting the ever-increasing demand for global positioning applications operating in a global reference frame. Meanwhile, the requirements of applications based in a local (regional) official reference frame must still be met. Using Bernese GNSS software (Dach, 2015), we can process GNSS networks in the ITRF2014 reference frame and, using Leica GNSS Spider, deliver GNSS corrections in ITRF2014, whilst continuing to serve those with local demands.  To maintain high precision of the GNSS network we perform a daily solution, which is computed based on precise orbits and following the guidelines of the EPN Analysis Centres. To ensure the daily solution runs with correct data, we maintain a database of all reference station equipment changes. Using the daily solution, we are estimating the linear velocity of reference stations within GNSS networks, and are also considering jumps due to equipment changes. The estimated velocities give the opportunity to monitor the long-term stability of the network as well as the quality of reference station coordinates. The daily solution and monitoring of GNSS networks are executed by the Leica Geosystems solution named Leica CrossCheck, which is based on Bernese GNSS software. Leica CrossCheck is capable to monitor GNSS networks of all scales. This includes the computation and monitoring of approximately 5000 GNSS reference stations worldwide, including those part of the HxGN SmartNet GNSS network.  </p> <p>KEYWORDS: GNSS reference station network, Bernese GNSS 5.2, Leica CrossCheck, Leica GNSS Spider, HxGN SmartNet <br /> </p> <p>References: <br />Dach, R., S. Lutz, P. Walser, P. Fridez (Eds); 2015: Bernese GNSS Software Version 5.2. User manual, Astronomical Institute, Universtiy of Bern, Bern Open Publishing. DOI: 10.7892/boris.72297; ISBN: 978-3-906813-05-9.   <br /> </p>

The Department of Physics of the University of Bologna (UNIBO), the Consorzio Venezia Nuova, sole... more The Department of Physics of the University of Bologna (UNIBO), the Consorzio Venezia Nuova, sole agent of the Magistrato alle Acque (MA) for the management of the Venice Lagoon environment and the Italian National Agency for Environmental Protection and Technical Services (APAT), have recently started joint projects to determine and study vertical crustal movements and sea-level fluctuations in the northern Adriatic area where the natural subsidence has been enhanced by anthropogenic components during last century. The combination of the permanent GPS stations belonging to UNIBO and of those of the MA and APAT constitutes a basic network for the study of land subsidence in the northern Adriatic. InSAR data are used to observe spatially continuous vertical deformation. Most of the stations are also monitored by means of absolute gravity measurements. Both long-term and short-term (seasonal) vertical crustal movements are observed and modeled. The GRACE mission data are used to estimate the regional hydrological contribution to the observed height seasonal variations. The sea-level time series of the Marina di Ravenna, Venice and Trieste tide gauge stations are compared to the Topex/Poseidon satellite altimetry sea-level elevation and to the GPS height long-term trends at the same stations.

It is of particular importance to define and establish appropriate observational strategies chara... more It is of particular importance to define and establish appropriate observational strategies characterized by the ability to measure, with high accuracy, spatially and time continuous deformations of the land surface. An ensemble of space, airborne and terrestrial techniques can be adopted by taking advantage of the complementary strengths of the different observations. We present a network encompassing northeastern Italy, which

The Venice Lagoon, Italy, is a unique worldwide environment which is presently vulnerable due to ... more The Venice Lagoon, Italy, is a unique worldwide environment which is presently vulnerable due to loss in surface elevation as a result of land subsidence referred to the mean sea level. Land displacements in the Venice coastland have been determined over time by traditional monitoring techniques (i.e., spirit leveling and GPS). Recently, SAR-based analyses have been used to complement the ground-based methods. Interferometric analysis on persistent point targets has been proved to be very effective in detecting land displacement in the coastal environment. ERS SAR and ENVISAT ASAR images spanning the time period 1992-2005 and 2003-2006, respectively, have been processed at regional and local scale and on "natural" as well as "artificial" reflectors.

Journal of Geophysical Research, 2007

1] The southeastern Po Plain is affected by high natural and anthropogenic subsidence. The area i... more 1] The southeastern Po Plain is affected by high natural and anthropogenic subsidence. The area is well suited to test the application of an observational strategy which combines different techniques to extract information on the spatial and temporal variability of the subsidence. The simultaneous availability, at a few stations, of several geodetic observation techniques such as Global Positioning System (GPS), gravity, and Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) allows for validation of the individual time series. The combination takes advantage of the complementary strengths of each technique by overcoming the limitations inherent in each single technique alone. The combination of velocities derived from the GPS and gravity data, further complemented by the results of the InSAR Permanent Scatterers technique, allows us to monitor continuously, in space and time, vertical crustal movements. This high-density information is of major importance for understanding the processes responsible for the observed deformation. Here long-term trends were derived, enabling us to map the behavior of subsidence (even exceeding 20 mm/yr) with high spatial resolution in the southeastern Po Plain. The uplifting behavior of the Apennines chain bordering the Po Plain is identified together with a narrow zone separating the contrasting vertical crustal movements.