Styles of positive inversion tectonics in the Central Apennines and in the Adriatic foreland: Implications for the evolution of the Apennine chain (Italy)

摘要: Abstract Integration of new field structural and geophysical data with existing information from the Apennines chain in Italy its adjacent Adriatic foreland indicates that styles positive inversion tectonics modes interaction between extensional subsequent compressive structures vary. Starting Cretaceous, contractional deformation induced by mainly north-directed convergence Africa/Adria respect to European plate promoted closure various arms Atlantic Neo-Tethys oceans, which opened different times distinct orientations. The mosaic continental blocks, carbonate platforms, rift basins oceanic domains several geometries orientations axis compression, resulting heterogeneities within shallow sedimentary cover overall lithosphere, strongly influenced both evolution Apennine orogenic belt intra-continental foreland. Field observations reveal steeply E- W-dipping Mesozoic–Cenozoic normal faults are systematically decapitated sub-horizontal or gently west-dipping thrusts propagating short-cut trajectories. Pre-thrusting were commonly deformed later thrusts, but little evidence seems support their entire reactivation as high-angle reverse faults. This suggests these shallow- steeply-dipping discontinuities not suitable be reutilized superficial thin-skinned thrust cover. In contrast, presumably late Paleozoic Mesozoic appear moderately reactivated foreland, strong affect deeper buried levels chain. Within latter, syn-rift sediments hangingwall blocks fault-bounded totally extruded generated uplift thinned Adria crust. Finally, contrasting interactions pre-existing (i.e., passive truncation reactivation) strictly result combined thin- thick-skinned stretched lithosphere plate.