Néotectonique et réseau hydrographique : l'exemple du Matese (Apennin campanien septentrional, Italie)/Neotectonics and hydrographic pattern: the example of the Matese mountain (Northern Campanian Apennine, Italy)

Abstract

Abstract Monte Matese is a limestone block, which was uplifted mainly in a context of extensional neotectonics. Uplift has profoundly modified the drainage pattern. A drainage pattern diverging from the first reliefs due to uplift tectonics - Mts. Miletto, Gallinola and Mutria - settled on an erosion palaeotopography which was established after the Cenozoic compression. The disruption of this palaeotopography brought about the present landscape of dry valleys and wind gaps breaching the outer fault scarps. Monte Matese nevertheless continues to supply water to the surrounding lowlands because, in addition to abundant rainfall, the rivers flow through inner grabens, which are lined with impermeable flysch. This case illustrates a classic problem in Apennine geomorphology, namely the dichotomy between topographic ridge lines and water divides.