In the frame of the Calabrian Arc evolution, we analyzed the stress field controlling the evolution of the Catanzaro Trough. The combination of geological, geophysical and seismotectonic data shows that, during the Early Pleistocene, a contraction episode occurred within the basin, possibly related to the regional N- to NE-oriented regional compression. This gradual increase of compressive inter-plate stress is linked with transpressional tectonics and associated block rotations. Later, since the Middle Pleistocene to Holocene age, the study area experienced a WNW-ESE oriented extensional phase, in response to one of the last extensional stages controlled by the Tyrrhenian back-arc basin opening. NE-SW and N-S oriented normal faults control this tectonic phase, which partitioning obliquely the western Catanzaro Trough producing up-faulted and down-faulted blocks that arranged as graben-type systems. Amongst these systems we identified a new one named Lamezia Basin. Based on these considerations and on structural data, the extensional boundary defined for the central Calabrian Arc can be widen further offshore. In agreement with Jacques et al. (2001), who state that the main destructive earthquake sources bound the NNE-SSW trending steep range fronts (Coastal and Serre Range, Aspromonte and Messina Strait), the NE-SW trend normal faults play a relevant role as part of recent seismotectonic processes controlling the Late Quaternary geodynamics of the central Calabrian Arc. Thus representing the source of the main destructive historical and very recent earthquakes occurred in the area. Although the role of NW-SE strike-slip faults have to be still completely understood. Considering these features, the improvement of geological and structural knowledge of the western Catanzaro Trough and its offshore could provide new insights about the evaluation of the seismic and tsunami hazard in the frame of a new urban development planning and the existing infrastructures safeguarding.
Quaternary Stress Field and Faulting in theWestern Part of the Catanzaro Trough (Calabria, Southern Italy)
F. MutoMembro del Collaboration Group
;Sebastiano D’AmicoMembro del Collaboration Group
;N. De PaolaMembro del Collaboration Group
;Salvatore CritelliMembro del Collaboration Group
2018-01-01
Abstract
In the frame of the Calabrian Arc evolution, we analyzed the stress field controlling the evolution of the Catanzaro Trough. The combination of geological, geophysical and seismotectonic data shows that, during the Early Pleistocene, a contraction episode occurred within the basin, possibly related to the regional N- to NE-oriented regional compression. This gradual increase of compressive inter-plate stress is linked with transpressional tectonics and associated block rotations. Later, since the Middle Pleistocene to Holocene age, the study area experienced a WNW-ESE oriented extensional phase, in response to one of the last extensional stages controlled by the Tyrrhenian back-arc basin opening. NE-SW and N-S oriented normal faults control this tectonic phase, which partitioning obliquely the western Catanzaro Trough producing up-faulted and down-faulted blocks that arranged as graben-type systems. Amongst these systems we identified a new one named Lamezia Basin. Based on these considerations and on structural data, the extensional boundary defined for the central Calabrian Arc can be widen further offshore. In agreement with Jacques et al. (2001), who state that the main destructive earthquake sources bound the NNE-SSW trending steep range fronts (Coastal and Serre Range, Aspromonte and Messina Strait), the NE-SW trend normal faults play a relevant role as part of recent seismotectonic processes controlling the Late Quaternary geodynamics of the central Calabrian Arc. Thus representing the source of the main destructive historical and very recent earthquakes occurred in the area. Although the role of NW-SE strike-slip faults have to be still completely understood. Considering these features, the improvement of geological and structural knowledge of the western Catanzaro Trough and its offshore could provide new insights about the evaluation of the seismic and tsunami hazard in the frame of a new urban development planning and the existing infrastructures safeguarding.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
