--> Abstract: Thrust System Evolution and Orogenic System Propagation in the Central Apennines, by D. Scrocca, M. Parotto, and M. Tozzi; #90956 (1995).

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Abstract: Thrust System Evolution and Orogenic System Propagation in the Central Apennines

Davide Scrocca, Maurizio Parotto, Mario Tozzi

New data on the age of synorogenic terrigenous deposits, facies distribution and structural feature make the Central Apennines a paradigmatic region to a better comprehension of the tectonic processes during thrust belts accretion. Geometry, kinematics and thrust sequences of the orogenic system, since Tortonian to Recent, is driven here by time-space migration of the Apenninic thrust belt and the Adriatic foredeep toward the Apulian foreland. Stratigraphy and tectonics indicate an overall foreland-progressing deformation sequence (piggy-back thrust sequence), caused by the propagation of the orogenic system.

Two major tectonic events can be distinguished in the central Apennines (Molisan) orogenic accretion. Previous minor thrusts (i) have an important influence on the foredeep tectonic-sedimentary evolution. These structures are Lower Messinian in age and are related to a former deformative event developed when the compression front reached the Matese area (in piggy-back thrust sequence). The same unit has been affected by a later compressive event causing a major thrust front (ii), propagated through a previously folded sequence. The second generation thrust front is characterized by large displacement and by clear "out-of-sequence" geometric features (e.g. thrust truncated folds in the hanging-wall).

This two steps thrusting can be reasonably extended to a great part of the Central-Southern Apenninic thrust belt and seems to have played a major role in the orogenic accretion.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90956©1995 AAPG International Convention and Exposition Meeting, Nice, France