Deep-seated gravitational slope deformation, large-scale rock failure, and active normal faulting along Mt. Morrone (Sulmona basin, Central Italy): Geomorphological and paleoseismological analyses

Abstract

Active faulting is one of the main factors that induce deep-seated gravitational slope deformations (DGSDs). In this study, we investigate the relationships between the tectonic activity of the NW–SE normal fault system along Mt. Morrone, central Apennines, Italy, and the evolution of the associated sackung-type DGSD. The fault system is considered to be the source of M 6.5–7 earthquakes. Our investigations have revealed that the DGSD began to affect the Mt. Morrone SW slope after the Early Pleistocene. This was due to the progressive slope instability arising from the onset of the younger western fault, with the older eastern fault acting as the preferred sliding zone. Paleoseismological investigations based on the excavation of slope deposits across gravitational troughs revealed that the DGSD was also responsible for the displacement of Late Pleistocene–Holocene sediments accumulated in the sackung troughs. Moreover, we observed that the investigated DGSD can evolve into large-scale rock slides. Therefore, as well as active normal faulting, the DGSD should be considered as the source of a further geological hazard. Overall, our approach can be successfully applied to other contexts where active normal faults control the inception and evolution of a DGSD.