Near-Surface Geophysical Characterization of Lithologies in Corfu and Lefkada Towns (Ionian Islands, Greece)

A near-surface geophysical study of Corfu and Lefkada old towns, located near the Hellenic subduction zone, reveals significant variations in subsurface lithologies and mechanical properties. Using seismic refraction tomography (SRT), multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW), and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), researchers mapped seismic velocities and geotechnical characteristics across both sites. Corfu's subsurface showed diverse elastic moduli (σ, E, K, G) at 5 meters depth, while Lefkada's subsurface was found to be uniformly compact with minimal variation in properties. Ground type classifications for both towns were determined based on VS30 values according to Eurocode 8 standards. This study provides critical insights into the seismic vulnerability of these historic sites, highlighting the importance of geophysical techniques in assessing subsurface conditions in seismically active regions.

Alexopoulos, J. D., Voulgaris, N., Dilalos, S., Gkosios, V., Giannopoulos, I.-K., Mitsika, G. S., Vassilakis, E., Sakkas, V., & Kaviris, G. (2022). Near-Surface Geophysical Characterization of Lithologies in Corfu and Lefkada Towns (Ionian Islands, Greece). Geosciences, 12(12), 446. https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences12120446