Publication Date:
2017-04-04
Description:
Accepted for publication in Tectonics. Copyright (2010) American Geophysical Union
Description:
The study of geodynamics relies on an understanding of the strength of the lithosphere. However, our knowledge of kilometer-scale rheology has generally been obtained from centimeter-sized laboratory samples or from microstructural studies of naturally deformed rocks. In this study, we present a method that allows rheological examination at a larger scale. Utilizing forward numerical modeling, we simulated lithospheric deformation as a function of heat flow and rheological parameters and computed several testable predictions including horizontal velocities, stress directions, and the tectonic regime. To select the best solutions, we compared the model predictions with experimental data. We applied this method in Italy and found that the rheology shows significant variations at small distances. The strength ranged from 0.60.2 TN/m within the Apennines belt to 216 TN/m in the external Adriatic thrust. These strength values correspond to an aseismic mantle in the upper plate and to a strong mantle within the Adriatic lithosphere, respectively. With respect to the internal thrust, we found that strike-slip or transpressive, but not compressive, earthquakes can occur along the deeper portion of the thrust. The differences in the lithospheric strength are greater than our estimated uncertainties and occur across the Adriatic subduction margin. Using the proposed method, the lithospheric strength can be also determined when information at depth is scarce but sufficient surface data are available.
Description:
DPC-INGV project S1 (2008-2010)
Description:
In press
Description:
3.1. Fisica dei terremoti
Description:
3.2. Tettonica attiva
Description:
3.3. Geodinamica e struttura dell'interno della Terra
Description:
4.2. TTC - Modelli per la stima della pericolosità sismica a scala nazionale
Description:
JCR Journal
Description:
open
Keywords:
Continental neotectonics
;
Rheology and friction of fault zones
;
Rheology: crust and lithosphere
;
Mechanics, theory and modeling
;
04. Solid Earth::04.01. Earth Interior::04.01.02. Geological and geophysical evidences of deep processes
;
04. Solid Earth::04.01. Earth Interior::04.01.05. Rheology
;
04. Solid Earth::04.03. Geodesy::04.03.01. Crustal deformations
;
04. Solid Earth::04.07. Tectonophysics::04.07.07. Tectonics
Repository Name:
Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV)
Type:
article
