Debora Presti

Debora Presti is a Full Professor of Geophysics at the University of Messina, specializing in Solid Earth Geophysics (Scientific-Disciplinary Sector GEO/10). She is affiliated with the Department of Mathematical and Computer Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Earth Sciences at the University of Messina.

Professor Presti's research focuses on several key areas in geophysics and seismology. Her primary research interests include the analysis of seismicity and seismogenic mechanisms from a seismotectonic and geodynamic perspective, particularly in Southern Italy. She has developed advanced methodologies for earthquake localization and the identification of seismogenic structures. Her work also encompasses the calculation of focal mechanisms using first-pulse polarities and waveform inversion techniques, inversion of seismogenic stress fields, and seismic tomography analysis for characterizing crust and upper mantle structures. Additionally, she investigates strong earthquakes and tsunamis in Southern Italy, with a focus on modeling coseismic stress fields.

Analysis of Professor Presti's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on earthquake analysis in the Mediterranean region, particularly Southern Italy. Her research combines modern seismic analysis techniques with historical earthquake data, as seen in her work on the 1947 Squillace Basin earthquake. She has made significant contributions to understanding volcanic systems through seismic tomography, particularly at Mount Etna and the Lipari-Vulcano complex. Her work also extends to plate boundary analysis in the western Mediterranean and fault mechanics along major fault systems like the East Anatolian Fault. The interdisciplinary nature of her research connects seismology, tectonics, and volcanic processes to address fundamental questions in solid earth geophysics.

Professor Presti has served as Project Manager for the University of Messina for the INGV-DPC/S1 2014/2015 project "Base-knowledge improvement for assessing the seismogenic potential of Italy" and has participated in approximately 20 national and international research projects. With over 40 publications in international JCR journals, 44 total articles according to Scopus (as of February 2023), 1125 citations, and an h-index of 21, she has established herself as a significant contributor to the field of solid earth geophysics.