Gyroscopes (or rotational sensors) detect the rotational speed of the ground and provide additional information to translational seismic sensors. A fiber optic gyroscope prototype has been developed by a multidisciplinary team of researchers from the National Institute of Optics of the CNR (CNR-Ino) in collaboration with the Vesuvius Observatory of the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV-OV) and the Italian Space Agency. The prototype is intended for the real-time measurement of earthquake-induced ground rotations in the volcanic area of Campi Flegrei, located northwest of Naples. The area is covered by a capillary network of multi-parameter sensors managed by INGV-OV for the real-time monitoring of various physical and chemical parameters. This network is used to study seismic and volcanic activity. The ability to monitor ground rotational motions can help researchers better understand seismic events, which are critical for studying volcano dynamics. The prototype is based on a 2-kilometer-long Sagnac interferometer housed in the CNR-INO laboratories in the heart of Campi Flegrei. The prototype system was calibrated over a five-month measurement period from May to September of last year, measuring ground rotations caused by low/medium magnitude earthquakes. Currently, the gyroscope can only measure the rotational component of motion around the vertical axis. The following activities will focus on improving the system's resolution and stability, as well as developing a three-axis gyroscope to measure all rotational components. The ultimate goal is to create a complete system for permanent monitoring of soil rotations in the area. (Redm)
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