--> ABSTRACT: An Integrated Surface and Subsurface Interpretation of the Stratigraphy, Structure and Tectonics of the Southcentral Apennines of Italy, by R. K. Sawyer; #90906(2001)

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R. K. Sawyer

Texaco Exploration, PO Box 430, Bellaire TX 77401-01430

ABSTRACT: An Integrated Surface and Subsurface Interpretation of the Stratigraphy, Structure and Tectonics of the Southcentral Apennines of Italy

The Apennines orogen in the Molise area of southcentral Italy is characterized by study of surface and subsurface data from a 1996-97 Lasmo-British Gas- Texaco evaluation of the petroleum prospectivity of the region. The study area is part of the regional Apenninic orogenic belt that originated from intraplate contraction within the Adriatic microplate of the greater African plate. The two main tectonostratigraphic members in the region are carbonate platform-ramp associations of the Apenninic (Western) and Apulian (Eastern) Platform domains. The latter contains the main petroleum system targeted through exploration drilling in central and southern Italy. The informally named 'Tethyan nappes' are high level thrust sheets that structurally overlay the Western and Apulian Platforms. Differentiation of the allochthonous Western Platform and Tethyan nappes from the autochthonous Apulian Platform on subsurface seismic remains a critical risk to exploration in the southcentral Apennines.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90906©2001 AAPG Annual Convention, Denver, Colorado