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New Insights into the Structural Evolution of the Central Mediterranean
- Publisher: European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers
- Source: Conference Proceedings, 77th EAGE Conference and Exhibition 2015, Jun 2015, Volume 2015, p.1 - 5
Abstract
The Central Mediterranean is a perfect natural laboratory for the study of the complex transecting convergent- and extensional related basins. It represents a complex segment of the Alpine Orogen recording the deformational history of Tethyan collision and suture. There is also evidence of the neotectonic overprint related to back arc deformation and subduction-related roll-back (e.g. Calabrian Arc). Although, previous studies have attempted to explain the evolution of the Maghrebian and Apennine Thrust belts, uncertainty remains on the exact location of the connection between the two belts. Detailed interpretation of high fidelity seismic data has been carried out in offshore waters of southern Sicily to allow us present a new regional scale model for the development of the fold and thrust belt and the adjacent foreland areas. The linkage between the two belts has been seismically traced and a period of precursor syn-depositional faulting which dominated this convergent-related basin has been elucidated. The compressional tectonism resulted not only in the deflection of the foreland area and the production of a prominent peripheral bulge but also the reactivation of the pre-existing buried fault system and the development of positive inverted structures.