La tettonica quaternaria dell'alta valle del F. Aterno (Appennino centrale) desunta dall'analisi di successioni di superficie relitte

Abstract

: This paper reports the results of the application of a method considering the remnants of ancient landsurfaces as reference levels in the interpretation and definition of differential tectonic vertical movements. Ancient landsurfaces, which are a common and widespread morphological feature in the central Apennines, are mainly erosional surfaces that truncate rock bodies of various nature. These surfaces cut mountain tops and are carved into mountain slopes forming terrace sequences with a typical step-like topography. When a large area is examined, the comparison between local terrace sequences allows to correlate reference levels with one another across the main tectonic elements (mainly normal and oblique-normal faults). This type of analysis was performed for a region located in the central part of the Apennines active belt, which is characterised by the presence of Plio-Quaternary intermontane basins. The principal of these basins is the upper Aterno valley. The uplands surrounding the valley belong to a single large block outlined by correlative landsurface terrace sequences. This block was affected by a continuous uplift whereas a minor portion of it subsided, thereby forming a half-grab en controlled by an active normal fault (Mt Marine fault). The results of this study indicate that the adopted method of analysis is an useful morphological investigation for the construction of structural models of both Quaternary and active tectonics.