A multidisciplinary approach to the study of the Montereale Basin (Central Apennines, Italy)

Abstract

This multidisciplinary study conducted in the area covered by sheet 348 “Antrodoco” of the Geological Map of Italy contributes to the knowledge on an undissected intermontane basin located at the transition between the Gran Sasso and the Laga structural–paleogeographic domains in the highly seismic Apennine axial zone. Geomorphological analysis is used to infer the role of extensional faults and to provide a relative chronology of the capture phenomena that have led to a substantial reduction of the catchment area since the Early Pleistocene. Geophysical and stratigraphic data have been integrated into a 3D model, enabling evaluation of the thickness and geometry of the Quaternary sedimentary infilling. A stratigraphic study, chronologically constrained according to paleomagnetic results and 14C datings, highlights the occurrence of a major unconformity related to changes in the drainage network and suggests that during the Early Pleistocene, the Montereale Basin experienced an initial aggradation phase conditioned by the activity of local tectonic structures and then evolved under the influence of prevailing external factors. Finally, this study represents a complete and integrated approach. This approach makes possible, for the first time, the imposition of a number of firm constraints on the geometry and evolution of this under-explored intermontane basin, located in a key position along the Apennines.