Active faulting, 3-D geological architecture and Plio-Quaternary structural evolution of extensional basins in the central Apennine chain, Italy

摘要: Abstract. The general basin and range Apennine topographic characteristic is generally attributed to the presently active normal fault systems, whose long-term activity (throughout Quaternary) supposed have been responsible for creation of morphological/structural highs lows. By coupling field geological survey geophysical investigations, we reconstructed 3-D model an inner tectonic central Apennines, Subequana Valley, bounded northeast by southern segment one major seismogenic faults known as Middle Aterno Valley–Subequana Valley system. Our analyses revealed that, since late Pliocene, evolved in a double half-graben configuration through polyphase development. An early phase, Late Pliocene–Early Pleistocene age, was controlled ENE–WSW-striking SSE-dipping Avezzano–Bussi fault, that determined formation depocentre towards N–NW. Subsequently, main became NW–SE-striking faults, which drove during Quaternary new fault-related NE. considering available information, similar structural evolution has likely involved three close basins aligned along namely Fucino Basin, Sulmona it probably experienced other chain. present work therefore points out role pre-existing transverse structures, inherited previous phases, accommodating ongoing deformation and, consequently, influencing characteristics faults. This implications terms earthquake rupture propagation segmentation. Lastly, morpho-tectonic setting chain results from superposition events legacy must be considered wider evolutionary perspective. testify large-scale geomorphological feature – often adopted kinematic evaluations extensional contexts, Apennines just led range-bounding may actually simplistic, could not applied everywhere, owing peculiar complexities local histories.