Dr Maria Filomena Loreto : Leading Researcher in Natural Hazard
National Research Council – Institute of Marine Sciences, Italy
Maria Filomena Loreto, a marine geologist specializing in geophysical approaches, embarked on her career at ISMAR-CNR Bologna. She earned her Ph.D. in collaboration with the University of Parma and ISMAR-CNR, followed by a post-doc at OGS. Since 2012, she holds a permanent position as a researcher at ISMAR-CNR.
Her research spans back-arc basins, crustal thinning, seafloor spreading, and subduction-related deformation. She’s also involved in active tectonics, sea-level changes, and Quaternary fault slip rates. With expertise in seismic data processing, interpretation, and geological modeling, Maria has contributed to 43 publications, 31 technician reports, and over 115 conference abstracts.
🎓 Education:
1998: Master’s Degree in Geology (Geophysics and Structural Geology), University of Basilicata
📌 Career:
2012-Present: Researcher, Institute of Marine Sciences (ISMAR) – National Research Council (CNR), Bologna
2006-2012: Researcher, National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics (OGS), Trieste
2005-2006: Research Grant, OGS, Trieste
2001-2005: Ph.D., University of Parma and ISMAR-CNR, Bologna
2000-2001: Scholarship, ISMAR-CNR, Bologna
🌐 Work Experiences:
Participated in 16 marine geological/geophysical surveys in the Mediterranean Seas and the Pacific Ocean.
Processing multichannel seismic datasets and 3D geological models.
Involved in various national and international projects.
🔬 Research Projects:
POSEIDON (Eurofleet+ 2023 project)
Seismic Hazard in the west Peloponnese – Ionian Islands Domain.
PI: R. Cesar Ranero; ISMAR-CNR WP Leader: M-Filomena Loreto
IODP-TIME Tyrrhenian Continent-Ocean Transition (Expedition 402)
PI: Dr. Nevio Zitellini; Other Leader: Dr. M.F. Loreto
IONIANS 2022 project
Study of seismic faults off the Ionian Islands, Northwestern Greece.
PI: M. Filomena Loreto
METIQ
Evolutionary Model of the Italian Territory in the Quaternary time
🌍 Seminars:
26/05/2021: Back-Arc Tyrrhenian Basin history, online OGS seminars.
5/12/2015: Multi-scale approach to a submarine volcano, University of Istanbul.
6/12/2015: Antarctic Gas Hydrates Reservoirs, Istanbul Technical University and University of Istanbul.
20/11/2012: Potential of KINGDOM software in geophysical data analysis, ISMAR-CNR Bologna.
✨ AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS:
H Index of 16 and i10-index of 20 as of 07/12/2023.
Active participation in prestigious projects funded by institutions like Eurofleet+ and IODP.
📚 PUBLICATIONS TOP NOTED :
Loreto, M. F., Capotondi, L., Insinga, D. D., Molisso, F., Vigliotti, L., Albertazzi, S., P. Giordano, F. Muto & Romano,S. (2023). Slip-rates and time recurrences of the seismogenic Sant’Eufemia normal fault (SE Tyrrhenian Sea), amultiscale and multidisciplinary approach. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 106453.
Palmiotto, C., Braga, R., Corda, L., Di Bella, L., Ferrante, V., Loreto, M. F., & Muccini, F. (2022). New insights on thefossil arc of the Tyrrhenian Back-Arc Basin (Mediterranean Sea). Tectonophysics, 229640.
Lodolo E; Loreto M F; Mellini D; Spada G; Civile D. (2022). Palaeo-Shoreline Configuration of the Adventure Plateau(Sicilian Channel) at the Last Glacial Maximum. Geosciences, 12(125). https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences12030125
Loreto, M. F. (2022). Editorial of Special Issue “Tectonics and Morphology of Back-Arc Basins”. Geosciences, 12(2),86. doi.org/10.3390/geosciences12020086
Palmiotto, C., Ficini, E., Loreto, M. F., Muccini, F., & Cuffaro, M. (2022). Back-Arc Spreading Centers and Superfast Subduction: The Case of the Northern Lau Basin (SW Pacific Ocean). Geosciences, 12(2), 50. doi.org/10.3390/geosciences12020050
Maria Filomena Loreto, Camilla Palmiotto, Filippo Muccini, Valentina Ferrante and Nevio Zitellini. Inverted basins by Africa – Eurasia convergence at the southern Back-Arc Tyrrhenian Basin. Geosciences 2021, 11, doi.org/10.3390/geosciences11030117
📝 SCHOLARLY CONTRIBUTIONS:
H Index: 16, All Quotations: 777
Author of 43 publications in ISI journals
Presented at numerous national and international conferences
📊 CURRENT RESEARCH INTERESTS:
Evolution and geodynamics of back-arc basins
Structural setting and its relationships with morphology and seismicity
Crustal thinning and seafloor spreading processes
Slab subduction-related shallow deformation
Relationships between active tectonics and sea-level changes
Assessment of slip rates of Quaternary faults
🚢 UPCOMING EXPEDITIONS:
Scheduled for oceanographic cruises in February-April 2024 aboard JOIDES Resolution (IODP programme).
Maria Filomena Loreto’s journey in marine geology is marked by a wealth of experiences, significant contributions to research, and a commitment to advancing the understanding of Earth’s geophysical processes. Her expertise, leadership, and international collaborations continue to shape the field.
In concluding the illustrious journey of Dr. Maria Filomena Loreto, it is evident that her unwavering commitment to marine geology and geophysics has left an indelible mark on the scientific landscape. 🌍🔬
🌟 Dr. Loreto’s pioneering research in back-arc basins, seismicity, and crustal processes has not only expanded our understanding of Earth’s dynamics but has also positioned her as a beacon of excellence in the field. The impressive H Index, extensive list of publications, and active involvement in groundbreaking projects underscore her profound impact.