The 1688 Sannio–Matese Earthquake: A Dataset of Environmental Effects Based on the ESI-07 Scale

The 1688 Sannio–Matese earthquake, with a macroseismically derived magnitude of M w = 7 and an epicentral intensity of I MCS = XI, had a deep impact on Southern Italy, causing thousands of casualties, extensive damage and significant environmental effects (EEEs) in the epicentral area. Despite a comprehensive knowledge of its economic and social impacts, information regarding the earthquake’s environmental effects remains poorly studied and far from complete, hindering accurate intensity calculations by the Environmental Seismic Intensity Scale (ESI-07). This study aims to address this knowledge gap by compiling a thorough dataset of the EEEs induced by the earthquake. By consulting over one hundred historical, geological and scientific reports, we have collected and classified, using the ESI-07 scale, its primary and secondary EEEs, most of which were previously undocumented in the literature. We verified the historical sources regarding some of these effects through reconnaissance field mapping. Analysis of the obtained dataset reveals some primary effects (surface faulting) and extensive secondary effects, such as slope movements, ground cracks, hydrological anomalies, liquefaction and gas exhalation, which affected numerous towns. These findings enabled us to reassess the Sannio earthquake intensity, considering its environmental impact and comparing traditional macroseismic scales with the ESI-07. Our analysis allowed us to provide an epicentral intensity ESI of I = X, one degree lower than the published I MCS = XI. This study highlights the importance of combining traditional scales with the ESI-07 for more accurate hazard assessments. The macroseismic revision provides valuable insights for seismic hazard evaluation and land-use planning in the Sannio–Matese region, especially considering the distribution of the secondary effects.