Seismicity of the Noto Peninsula: Spatial Patterns, Shallow Seismic Zones, and Potential Volcano-Related Signals

The Noto Peninsula is a seismically active region where spatial patterns and shallow seismic zones play a critical role in understanding earthquake behavior. While visualization techniques for seismicity have advanced, their effective application still requires practical experience and region-specific interpretation, as earthquake susceptibility varies spatially. In this study, we analyze earthquake catalogues and mesh-based magnitude parameters for events occurring between 2023 and 2024 to investigate seismic anomalies in the region. Temporal variations in the magnitude locator and scale, combined with spatial patterns of shallow seismicity, reveal anomalous behavior in the offshore area west of Noto. This area is characterized by persistently elevated locator values and locally reduced scale—features that resemble precursory patterns observed in volcanic settings. The seismic sequences of 5 May 2023 (M6.5) and 1 January 2024 (M7.6) illustrate how such combined signals may precede large events, while also highlighting how aftershock decay and resurgence complicate post-event energy assessments. These findings suggest the possible influence of submarine volcanic or volcano-related structures, as well as ongoing orogenic deformation. The results support the need for continued, targeted monitoring of epicentral activity in this region and may offer insights applicable to other tectonically complex areas.