Selection of hydrosensitive to seismicity sites for radon monitoring in the Abruzzo aquifers (central Italy) within the European ArtEmis project.

Radon is increasingly recognized as a geogas tracer for geodynamic processes and a potential earthquake pre cursor. The European ArtEmis project aims to investigate earthquake hydrogeology, utilizing a European network of advanced, low-cost sensors to explore radon concentration pre-, co- and post-seismic changes and anomalies, in groundwater of key seismogenic sites. In Italy, this project focuses on monitoring radon concentration in groundwater of Abruzzo region chosen for its high seismicity. The selection process of the hydro sensitive to seismicity sites in Abruzzo, where sensors will be installed, is outlined in this study. As radon concentrations in groundwater are believed to be less susceptible to the shallow phenomena than radon mea surements in soil gas, radon monitoring will be carried out only within carefully selected high-discharge springs. Site selection prioritized hydrosensitive to seismicity locations, considering source rock properties, hydro geological and seismotectonic settings and seismic activity, viewed as main factors influencing radon release. Potential sites, including carbonate aquifers, intermontane plains, and spa areas, were identified due to their interaction with main seismogenic faults, high-discharge springs, and potential geogas upwelling. These springs are representative of large rock volumes crossed by seismogenic faults, reflecting deep processes, such as the radon upwelling, minimally influenced by shallow or seasonal water cycle variations.