Editing Avignon (section)

=== Seismicity ===
[[File:Clocher de l'église des Augustins (Place des Carmes) Avignon, by JM Rosier.JPG|thumb|upright|The leaning bell tower of the Church of the [[Augustinians]].]]

Under the new seismic zoning of France defined in Decree No. 2010-1255 of 22 October 2010 concerning the delimitation of the seismicity of the French territory and which entered into force on 1 May 2011, Avignon is located in an area of moderate seismicity. The previous zoning is shown below for reference.

"The cantons of Bonnieux, Apt, Cadenet, Cavaillon, and Pertuis are classified in zone Ib (low risk). All other cantons the Vaucluse department, including Avignon, are classified Ia (very low risk). This zoning is for exceptional seismicity resulting in the destruction of buildings."<ref>''Regulatory Seismic Zoning of France, classed by cantons (as at the end of 1989) in the PACA rehion'', p. 48. {{in lang|fr}}</ref>

The presence of faults in the limestone substrate shows that significant tectonic shift has caused earthquakes in different geological ages. The last major earthquake of significant magnitude was on 11 June 1909.{{efn|The épicentre was at Lambesc—a village in Bouches-du-Rhône.}} It left a visible trace in the centre of the city since the bell tower of the Augustinians, which is surmounted by an ancient [[campanile]] of wrought iron, located in Rue Carreterie, remained slightly leaning as a result of this earthquake.

{{Main|1909 Provence earthquake}}