Architecture and evolution of an extensionally-inverted thrust (Mt. Tancia Thrust, Central Apennines): Geological, structural, geochemical, and K–Ar geochronological constraints

Abstract

Fault inversion may lead to significant obliteration of earlier tectonic structures, thus preventing the straightforward interpretation of the complete kinematics and deformation history of faults.We adopt a multidisciplinary approach to: (1) reconstruct the tectonic evolution through space and in time of the extensionally-inverted Mt. Tancia Thrust (Central Apennines, Italy); (2) understand the deformation mechanisms and the transition and reactivation of compressional structures during negative tectonic inversion; and (3) constrain the origin of fluids involved during tectonic processes.To this end, we combined: (1) detailed geological mapping and multiscale structural analysis; (2) illite-smectite paleothermal indicators; (3) C, O, and clumped isotopes on calcite mineralizations and (4) K–Ar dating of authigenic and/or syn-kinematic illite from the Mt. Tancia Thrust fault rocks. We show that shortening occurred between ~9 and ~7 Ma, during possibly multiple events of fluid overpressure and shear rupturing involving fluids entrapped over long term within the host rocks. Post-compressive tectonic inversion occurred at ~3 Ma under fluid pressure fluctuations during shear events with an input of meteoric-derived fluids. Tectonic inversion is spatially confined within the first few metres below the thrust surface in a volume dominated by the partial overprinting, folding, transposition, and re-utilization of the earlier compressional fabric.