Earthquake swarms are clusters of earthquakes that occur close together in both time and space. Unlike typical earthquake sequences where the largest magnitude event occurs first, swarm-like seismicity is characterized by the absence of a dominant mainshock at the beginning of the sequence. Swarm-like seismicity is recorded globally in tectonically active areas, is the main occurrence of seismicity close to volcanoes and accompanies industrial operation related to the exploitation of georesources. Foreshock activity as well as more complex seismic sequences characterized by multiple occurrences of large earthquakes are akin and can be associated to a broader definition of swarm-like seismicity.

Swarm-like sequences are driven by transient forcing, like fluid pressurization and redistribution, aseismic slip, magma migration, slow and fast deformation transients, and injection/withdrawal of fluids in industrial operation. Despite the widespread occurrence of swarm-like seismic sequences, the scientific community has not yet fully understood the underlying physics, which hampers our ability to forecast accurately the spatio-temporal evolution and energy release of such complex earthquake sequences.

While tectonic, volcanic, and induced earthquake swarms share common driving mechanisms, the study of these phenomena is typically compartmentalized within specific disciplines like seismology, volcanology, and anthropogenic seismicity. The scope of this workshop is to deepen our understanding of earthquake swarm physics, their occurrences, their natural habitat, and foster a systematic transfer of expertise and techniques for analyzing swarm sequences across disciplines. The workshop is a first step toward the establishment of a multidisciplinary and cohesive community of experts in swarm-like seismicity. Early career scientists are encouraged to participate.