Quaternary rock avalanches in the Apennines: New data and interpretation of the huge clastic deposit of the L'Aquila Basin (central Italy)

摘要: Abstract In this paper we inferred the origin of a huge clastic deposit (i.e. L'Aquila Breccia) which widely crops out within intermontane basin, tectonic depression in central Apennines, that is bounded by seismogenic active faults, as demonstrated earthquake occurred on April 6, 2009 (Mw 6.1). The genesis still debated literature: for reason, number methods have been applied, mainly aimed at evidencing its geomorphological and sedimentological features, well defining geometry volume through cross sections constrained borehole data field observations. On basis obtained results, identified such resulting from Quaternary rock avalanche event. particular, would detached during cold climate phases late Middle Pleistocene southern slope Gran Sasso Range, sector characterized presence numerous DGSD-related landforms. We performed morphometric analyses slope, order to define potential source area and, according estimated (about 108 m3) coherent with calculated preserved deposit. Furthermore, analyzed main features age parameters) also light similar events same region Quaternary, aim discussing analogues better understanding role gravity-induced processes morpho-evolution Apennine chain.