Structural evolution of the Tyrrhenian back-arc basin
In: Marine Geology. Elsevier: Amsterdam. ISSN 0025-3227; e-ISSN 1872-6151, more
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Keywords |
Aquatic sciences > Marine sciences > Geology > Marine geology Basins > Structural basins Earth sciences > Geology > Structural geology Earth structure > Lithosphere Fault zones Plate motion Subduction MED, Tyrrhenian Sea [Marine Regions] Marine/Coastal |
Authors | | Top |
- Rehault, J.P.
- Moussat, E.
- Fabri, A.
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Abstract |
The Tyrrhenian Basin has developed as a marginal basin through drifting of the Calabrian-Sicilian arc system towards the east-southeast. The main structural features of the basin result from this movement. The tensional structures (normal faults) of the margins are mainly aligned N10 degree to N30 degree E; the transform faults are oriented N110 degree -N120 degree E. The marginal basin type of evolution of the Tyrrhenian Sea is most probably directly linked to subduction of the Ionian lithosphere. Nevertheless, interferences between collision in the surrounding Apennines, Calabria or Sicilides and subduction processes have dominated this special back-arc basin evolution. Since Late Tortonian time, the Tyrrhenian arc shows a regional N120 degree E-oriented tensional pattern. Short compressional events occur briefly in Middle Pliocene and Middle Pleistocene times, correlated with brief paroxysmal phases of extension and subsidence. The deformation depends on the presence of a subduction zone parallel to the Calabrian arc swell which allows the migration of the unblocked segments of the arc in a N120 degree E direction. (DBO) |
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