Publication Date:
2023-10-13
Description:
The southern part of Tyrrhenian back-arc basin (NW Sicily), formed due to the rifting and
spreading processes in back-arc setting, is currently undergoing contractional tectonics. The analysis
of seismic reflection profiles integrated with bathymetry, magnetic data and seismicity allowed us to
map a widespread contractional tectonics structures, such as positive flower structures, anticlines and
inverted normal faults, which deform the sedimentary sequence of the intra-slope basins. Two main
tectonic phases have been recognised: (i) a Pliocene extensional phase, active during the opening
of the Vavilov Basin, which was responsible for the formation of elongated basins bounded by
faulted continental blocks and controlled by the tear of subducting lithosphere; (ii) a contractional
phase related to the Africa-Eurasia convergence coeval with the opening of the Marsili Basin during
the Quaternary time. The lithospheric tear occurred along the Drepano paleo-STEP (Subduction-
Transform-Edge-Propagator) fault, where the upwelling of mantle, intruding the continental crust,
formed a ridge. Since Pliocene, most of the contractional deformation has been focused along this
ridge, becoming a good candidate for a future subduction initiation zone.
Description:
Published
Description:
117
Description:
3A. Geofisica marina e osservazioni multiparametriche a fondo mare
Description:
JCR Journal
Repository Name:
Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV)
Type:
article
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