Abstract
We present a seismotectonic study of the Amatrice-Campotosto area (Central Italy) based on an integrated analysis of minor earthquake sequences, geological data and crustal rheology. The area has been affected by three small-magnitude seismic sequences: August 1992 (M=3.9), June 1994 (M=3.7) and October 1996 (M=4.0). The hypocentral locations and fault plane solutions of the 1996 sequence are based on original data; the seismological features of the 1992 and 1994 sequences are summarised from literature. The active WSWdipping Mt. Gorzano normal fault is interpreted as the common seismogenic structure for the three analysed sequences. The mean state of stress obtained by inversion of focal mechanisms (WSW-ENE-trending deviatoric tension) is comparable to that responsible for finite Quaternary displacement, showing that the stress field has not changed since the onset of extensional tectonics. Available morphotectonic data integrated with original structural data show that the Mt. Gorzano Fault extends for ~28 km along strike. The along-strike displacement profile is typical of an isolated fault, without significant internal segmentation. The strong evidence of late Quaternary activity in the southern part of the fault (with lower displacement gradient) is explained in this work in terms of displacement profile readjustment within a fault unable to grow further laterally. The depth distribution of seismicity and the crustal rheology yield a thickness of ~15 km for the brittle layer. An area of ~530 km2 is estimated for the entire Mt. Gorzano Fault surface. In historical times, the northern portion of the fault was probably activated during the 1639 Amatrice earthquake (I = X, M~ 6.3), but this is not the largest event we expect on the fault. We propose that a large earthquake might activate the entire 28 km long Mt. Gorzano Fault, with an expected Mmax up to 6.7.
Highlights
Defining the 3D geometry and the possible seismogenic behaviour of active faults is an open problem with implications on seismic hazard, especially when geological data are the main ingredients for seismic hazard assessment
In this work we analyse an area of active faulting which is not clearly understood from a seismotectonic point of view: the AmatriceCampotosto area of Central Apennines, Italy
Seismogenesis in Central Apennines, Italy: an integrated analysis in the Amatrice-Campotosto area grate our results with data form the literature on the 1992 (Mmax= 3.9) and 1994 (Mmax= 3.7) earthquake sequences, which occurred north of the town of L’Aquila (De Luca et al, 2000)
Summary
Defining the 3D geometry and the possible seismogenic behaviour of active faults is an open problem with implications on seismic hazard, especially when geological data are the main ingredients for seismic hazard assessment. In this context, the information given by minor seismic sequences (M≤ 4.0) recorded by local networks may be helpful. Seismogenesis in Central Apennines, Italy: an integrated analysis in the Amatrice-Campotosto area grate our results with data form the literature on the 1992 (Mmax= 3.9) and 1994 (Mmax= 3.7) earthquake sequences, which occurred north of the town of L’Aquila (De Luca et al, 2000). Gorzano Fault with large earthquakes of the past is discussed and considerations on the maximum seismogenic potential are proposed
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