We present the results of a study of the subsurface tectonic features of the Basso Molise, Western Gargano and Northern Capitanata regions (Southern Italy) aimed at the identification of the source of the disastrous 1627 Gargano earthquake. In the maximum-damage area of this earthquake we have recognised a normal fault, here called the Apricena Fault, which has been identified as the fault that caused the seismic event. The Apricena Fault, striking WNW-ESE and dipping towards SSW, extends in the subsurface for about 30 kilometres from Serracapriola to Santa Maria di Stignano cutting through the whole Quaternary sequence. Other important tectonic structures trending WNW-ESE recognized in the area belong to an inactive Pleistocene strike-slip-fault system that is linked to the Mattinata Fault and to its offshore continuation in the Gondola-Grifone structural high. The Mattinata Fault and the Gondola-Grifone High form a quite complex structural feature whose kinematic behaviour is still matter of debate in the regional geological literature. NW-SE structural features recognized in the area are extensional faults whose activity was probably related to the late flexure-hinge retreat of the Adria plate margin during the Late Pliocene-Early Pleistocene eastward migration of the thrust belt-foredeep-foreland system.
The 1627 Gargano earthquake (Southern Italy): Identification and characterization of the causative fault
PATACCA, ETTA;SCANDONE, PAOLO
2004-01-01
Abstract
We present the results of a study of the subsurface tectonic features of the Basso Molise, Western Gargano and Northern Capitanata regions (Southern Italy) aimed at the identification of the source of the disastrous 1627 Gargano earthquake. In the maximum-damage area of this earthquake we have recognised a normal fault, here called the Apricena Fault, which has been identified as the fault that caused the seismic event. The Apricena Fault, striking WNW-ESE and dipping towards SSW, extends in the subsurface for about 30 kilometres from Serracapriola to Santa Maria di Stignano cutting through the whole Quaternary sequence. Other important tectonic structures trending WNW-ESE recognized in the area belong to an inactive Pleistocene strike-slip-fault system that is linked to the Mattinata Fault and to its offshore continuation in the Gondola-Grifone structural high. The Mattinata Fault and the Gondola-Grifone High form a quite complex structural feature whose kinematic behaviour is still matter of debate in the regional geological literature. NW-SE structural features recognized in the area are extensional faults whose activity was probably related to the late flexure-hinge retreat of the Adria plate margin during the Late Pliocene-Early Pleistocene eastward migration of the thrust belt-foredeep-foreland system.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
